Audyllic - Let Every Word be Heard!

Fig 1.  The top two tracks are the stereo podcast as released, the bottom two are after processing with Audyllic, which intelligently restores all section to -16LUF in a way that is pleasing and easy to listen to   The standard podcast recommended loudness level is -16LUF.

• The whole track measures an average of the recommended -16 LUF, however, the rolling loudness in different segments does not.
• The Intro Jingle [1] is too loud at -12.9 LUF, followed immediately by the ‘Fuze Energy’ self-read ad is too quiet at -19.8 LUF.
• The first part [2] of the general podcast titled ‘Emergency Question’ measures -16.5 LUF, which is acceptable.
• The rest of the podcast recorded a day after [3] measures an average of -15.9, again acceptable,
• However there are many examples [4] where the loudness of a speaker tails off to between -22 LUF / -24 LUF and sometimes lower still.
• There is also a promo for another podcast [5] “ The rest is Politics USA” that measures -14LUF. Audyllic in this case restores the loudness to the recommended 16LUF

In the UK, a significant portion of podcast listening occurs while commuting or in other noisy environments, with about 42% of listeners reporting they listen during their work commute, according to Riverside. Additionally, around 13% of UK podcast listeners report listening while driving or traveling, according to Podknows Podcasting. 

Audio quality problems, including inconsistent or poor audio levels, are a significant reason why people stop listening to podcasts. Frustration and the need to constantly adjust volume can disrupt the listening experience and lead to disengagement, even if the content is good. 

• Poor audio quality is a major turn-off:

A Castbox study found that 19% of listeners consider poor audio production quality to be a reason they stop listening. A Podcastle blog notes that with the high quality of many podcasts available, inconsistent audio can be a dealbreaker. 

• Inconsistency in audio levels is problematic:

A Calliopé agency article explains that inconsistent audio quality, with varying levels throughout episodes, can be frustrating and make it difficult to concentrate. 

• Volume differences and jarring changes are disliked:

Listeners report that jarring changes in volume, like sudden loud advertisements or one voice being much louder than another, are unwelcome and can lead to unsubscribing. 

• Low volume can be frustrating:

Low volume can prevent listeners from understanding what is being said, leading to frustration and disinterest, according to the Calliopé agency. 

[1] https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/3039

As advertisers and audience measurement agency are increasingly looking at not just download numbers but time spent listening and abandonment and skipping of podcasts, maximising listener retention by doing everything possible to ensure a smooth experience for the listener becomes more important for your listenership and revenue generation.