Question 1

How does Dual Reference A/B audio comparison work?

Accepted Answer

The Dual Reference Comparator lets you drop two audio files (e.g. Master A vs Master B, or Unmastered Mix vs Commercial Reference). You can crossfade smoothly between them in real time with synchronized playheads and examine live comparative LUFS, True Peak, and RMS metrics to make objective mixing decisions without ear fatigue.

Question 2

Can I use the Napbak Piano VST in FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Napbak Piano is available as a native 64-bit VST3 for Windows, AU for macOS, and Universal SFZ / DirectWave format that loads seamlessly in FL Studio Channel Rack, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Reaper.

Question 3

My track is -8 LUFS, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

A master at -8 LUFS is powerful, dense, and competitive. You are in the ideal zone for modern commercial music. While platforms normalize playback to around -14 LUFS, a master at -8 LUFS retains the energy, body, and punch needed for clubs, festivals, car audio, and download platforms.

Question 4

Is -14 LUFS a must for streaming platforms?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! -14 LUFS is simply an alignment target for streaming services, not a creative rule for audio production. Most modern commercial masters sit comfortably between -6 and -12 LUFS integrated. Focus on mix dynamics and overall translation rather than chasing a single loudness target.

Question 5

What is the difference between LUFS and dB?

Accepted Answer

dB measures raw signal levels (peaks), while LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) measures perceived loudness — how loud a track actually sounds to human ears by accounting for frequency sensitivity. Think of dB like a speedometer and LUFS like how fast the car feels.

Question 6

How accurate are the loudness penalty simulations?

Accepted Answer

The platform penalty calculations are fully compliant with standard EBU R128 and ITU-R BS.1770 algorithms, matching streaming normalization engines with 100% accuracy. The device EQ profiles are modeled from actual speaker responses.

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Full EBU R128 LUFS & True Peak Meter

Dual Reference A/B Audio Comparator

Napbak Concert Grand Piano VST3 / AU

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