Why do certain songs sound louder than others even when they’re played at the same volume?
In: Technology
There are a few factors:
Frequency/special content plays a role. We don’t perceive all frequencies the same in terms of loudness (see equal loudness curves). So one song might be perceptibly louder because of its heavier in frequencies you are more sensitive to.
Dynamics. No song is exactly the same volume for its entire length. The relationship between the quiet and older parts, or the instantaneous peaks versus the sustain portions can have an impact in how you perceive loudness. Also, longer sounds sound louder than short ones at the same volume.
The mix can impact our perception. For example a song whose vocal level is much louder than the instruments versus one where the vocal is quieter might be perceived differently. This is also related to dynamics. Similarly, if one song has a lot of reverb and another is one dry, your perception of loudness might change due to the difference in spatial perception.
Also because of this, is can also be hard to actually set to songs to be “The same volume” without an accurate LUFS meter to do so.
(I’m an audio engineer).
Latest Answers