How it works
Measure RMS, sample peak and crest factor over the first 90 seconds. Crest factor is peak minus RMS in dB; it is not EBU LRA, a certified DR score or perceived loudness.
Worked example
A sine wave has a crest factor of about 3.01 dB. Larger values often indicate more transient headroom, but do not prove that one master sounds better.
Read the result
Crest factor compares the highest sample amplitude with RMS over the selected measurement window. RMS is an unweighted average-energy measure, while LUFS uses a loudness model. This tool reports neither EBU loudness range nor a branded DR score.
Common mistakes
Do not compare a silent intro plus one transient against a continuous chorus and interpret the difference as mastering quality. The analysis window and arrangement matter. A high crest factor can indicate one isolated peak rather than useful musical dynamics.
Questions musicians ask
What is crest factor in audio?
Crest factor is peak amplitude divided by RMS amplitude, often expressed in dB. Our dB result is sample-peak dBFS minus RMS dBFS. A sine wave's peak/RMS ratio is the square root of two, corresponding to about 3.01 dB.
What is RMS audio?
RMS means root mean square. Squaring the samples, averaging them and taking the square root gives an energy-related amplitude measure. It does not account for hearing sensitivity in the same way as a loudness measurement.
What is dynamic range in audio?
The term can describe a system's noise-floor-to-maximum range or the contrast within a performance. This particular meter measures crest factor over decoded audio, not every meaning of dynamic range. Read the labels before comparing it with another meter.
Sources and calculation notes
From measurement to mastering
Understand the measurement, then compare your own mix and reference. Your ears remain the final judge.