Do humans really prefer music that is mastered LOUD?
The "louder is better" phenomenon is a well-documented psychological effect that has been observed in numerous studies. Research has shown that our brains are wired to respond more positively to louder sounds, which can activate the pleasure centers in our brains and create a sense of excitement and arousal.
When we hear a loud sound, our brains release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline, which can create a positive emotional response. This effect is often referred to as the "loudness heuristic", and it can make us perceive louder music as being more exciting, powerful, and emotionally impactful.
However, while the initial response to loud music can be positive, excessive loudness can have negative effects on our enjoyment of music over time. For example, research has shown that prolonged exposure to loud music can cause listener fatigue, which can make it difficult to enjoy the music and can even lead to physical discomfort.
It is not necessarily wrong for people to prefer loud masters initially, but it is important to consider the impact of excessive loudness on the overall listening experience. A balanced and dynamic mix can enhance the enjoyment of music by preserving the full range of dynamics and detail in the music, while an excessively loud master can compromise these elements and lead to listener fatigue and discomfort.
Research has shown that listeners may initially prefer louder masters due to the "louder is better" phenomenon, also known as the "loudness war". This is because a louder master can initially sound more impactful and exciting. However, this preference tends to diminish quickly over time, and listeners may begin to perceive the louder master as fatiguing or unpleasant to listen to after a short period of time.
The loudness of a master can affect the overall sound tonality and dynamic range of the music. In an excessively loud master, the dynamic range is reduced, resulting in a loss of nuance and detail in the music. There will be a lack of punch. The drums will sit back in the mix and you don’t feel the initial attack or slap of the snare drum or kick drum - those transients that make drums, drums - are just squashed. This can lead to a compressed and distorted sound, which can be unpleasant for some listeners.
Loud masters are often less pleasant sounding than dynamic songs because they sacrifice dynamic range and detail in favor of high levels of perceived loudness. A loud master is typically achieved by increasing the overall volume of the track with the use of limiters and clipping, which can result in reduced dynamic range, limited transient response, and increased distortion. This can lead to a loss of clarity and detail in the music, as well as listener fatigue.
In contrast, dynamic songs preserve the full range of volume and intensity variations in the music, resulting in a more nuanced and detailed listening experience. Dynamic songs have a wide range of volume levels and use the quiet parts of the song to build anticipation and create contrast with the louder sections, resulting in a more engaging and emotionally impactful listening experience.
A dynamic mix can give the listener a sense of space and dimensionality, allowing individual instruments and sounds to be heard more clearly and distinctly. This can help to create a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
The loudness wars continue to persist for several reasons, including silly commercial pressures, technological advancements, and listener preferences.
Commercial pressures are a major driving force behind the loudness wars. In an industry that is highly competitive, record labels and producers are under pressure to deliver music that stands out and sells well in a crowded market. In many cases, this has led to a belief that louder music will grab the listener's attention and sell more copies. This goes back to the days of FM radio in cars in the late 1970s and 80s when you scrolled through the stations and the station with the “loudest” sound would be the one you stopped at.
Technological advancements have also contributed to the loudness wars. The widespread use of digital audio workstations and digital signal processing tools has made it easier than ever to increase the perceived loudness of a track. Additionally, the rise of streaming services and digital distribution platforms has created a need for music to be delivered at consistent loudness levels to ensure that it sounds good across a wide range of devices.
Finally, listener preferences can also play a role in the loudness wars. As mentioned earlier, there is a tendency for listeners to initially prefer louder tracks, which can lead to a perception that louder music is better. Additionally, many people listen to music in environments that are noisy and distracting, such as in cars or on public transportation, which can make it difficult to appreciate the nuances of a dynamic mix.
