---
id: kb-2026-00411
title: Audio Engineering
schema_type: TechArticle
category: arts
language: en
confidence: medium
last_verified: '2026-05-28'
created_date: '2026-05-22'
generation_method: ai_structured
ai_models:
  - claude-opus
derived_from_human_seed: true
conflict_of_interest: none_declared
is_live_document: false
data_period: static
atomic_facts:
  - id: fact-audio-engineering-01
    statement: Audio engineers work across recording, mixing, distribution, and reproduction, and loudness measurement helps manage perceived loudness beyond simple peak level.
    source_title: Loudness Basics - Audio Engineering Society
    source_url: https://www.aes.org/resources/audio-topics/loudness-project/loudness-basics/
    confidence: medium
  - id: fact-audio-engineering-02
    statement: ITU-R BS.1770 defines algorithms for measuring audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level.
    source_title: ITU-R BS.1770 - Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level
    source_url: https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.1770
    confidence: medium
  - id: fact-audio-engineering-03
    statement: EBU R 128 recommends programme loudness normalization at -23 LUFS for broadcast workflows.
    source_title: EBU R 128 - Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals
    source_url: https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128
    confidence: medium
completeness: 0.78
known_gaps:
  - Microphone technique, room acoustics, and immersive audio are not covered in detail.
disputed_statements: []
primary_sources:
  - title: Loudness Basics - Audio Engineering Society
    type: technical_reference
    year: 2024
    url: https://www.aes.org/resources/audio-topics/loudness-project/loudness-basics/
    institution: Audio Engineering Society
  - title: ITU-R BS.1770 - Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level
    type: standard
    year: 2023
    url: https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.1770
    institution: International Telecommunication Union
  - title: EBU R 128 - Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals
    type: standard
    year: 2023
    url: https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128
    institution: European Broadcasting Union
secondary_sources:
  - title: Mastering Audio
    type: book
    year: 2015
    authors:
      - Katz, Bob
    url: https://www.routledge.com/Mastering-Audio-The-Art-and-the-Science/Katz/p/book/9780240818962
    institution: Routledge
---

## TL;DR

Audio engineering covers the technical work of capturing, shaping, measuring, and delivering sound. Modern delivery workflows often distinguish peak level from perceived loudness.

## Core Explanation

Recording and mixing workflows manage source capture, gain staging, equalization, dynamics, spatial placement, and final delivery. Loudness standards such as ITU-R BS.1770 and EBU R 128 matter because digital peak meters alone do not describe how loud a listener perceives a programme to be.

## Evidence Notes

The previous version relied on broad book pages and made a platform-specific Spotify loudness claim. This version keeps only standards-backed loudness claims and an AES overview.

## Further Reading

- [Loudness Basics - Audio Engineering Society](https://www.aes.org/resources/audio-topics/loudness-project/loudness-basics/)
- [ITU-R BS.1770](https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.1770)
- [EBU R 128](https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128)

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