LUFS

Term from Podcasting industry explained for recruiters

LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) is a standard way to measure how loud audio content sounds to human ears. For podcasters and audio producers, it's like a volume measuring tool that helps ensure their content plays at a consistent volume across different platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Think of it as making sure a podcast isn't too quiet that listeners need to turn up their volume, or too loud that it startles them. When you see LUFS mentioned in job descriptions, it usually means the role involves making sure audio content meets professional broadcasting standards.

Examples in Resumes

Mastered over 200 podcast episodes to meet -16 LUFS industry standard

Implemented LUFS measurement tools to ensure consistent audio levels across all productions

Trained team members on proper LUFS monitoring and adjustment techniques

Typical job title: "Audio Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Podcast Producer Audio Producer Sound Engineer Broadcast Engineer Audio Post-Production Specialist Mastering Engineer Podcast Editor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle loudness standards across different distribution platforms?

Expected Answer: Should explain how different platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts have different LUFS requirements and how they adjust audio accordingly while maintaining quality.

Q: How would you set up a loudness measurement workflow for a podcast production team?

Expected Answer: Should describe establishing standard procedures, choosing appropriate metering tools, and training team members on consistency in loudness levels.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What LUFS level would you recommend for a podcast, and why?

Expected Answer: Should mention the standard -16 to -14 LUFS range for podcasts and explain why this range works well for most listening environments.

Q: How do you maintain consistent loudness across an entire podcast episode?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic techniques for evening out volume levels, using compression, and measuring overall loudness throughout the episode.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is LUFS and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that LUFS measures how loud audio sounds to humans and why it's important for consistent listening experience.

Q: What tools do you use to measure LUFS?

Expected Answer: Should name some common audio metering tools and demonstrate basic understanding of how to read loudness meters.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of audio levels
  • Familiar with loudness metering tools
  • Basic podcast editing
  • Understanding of different platform requirements

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Consistent loudness management
  • Multiple platform delivery
  • Advanced audio editing
  • Troubleshooting level issues

Senior (4+ years)

  • Setting up loudness workflows
  • Training team members
  • Quality control processes
  • Advanced broadcast standards knowledge

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of basic audio levels
  • Unfamiliar with industry standard loudness targets
  • No experience with audio metering tools
  • Lack of knowledge about platform-specific requirements