Free Dynamic Range (DR) Meter
Drop an audio file to measure its DR value — the TT / DR14 dynamic range standard — and see how compressed your master really is. All in your browser, no upload.
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DR tells you how much your master breathes. TuneLens gives you a full AI breakdown of your mix, mastering, and sync readiness — with prioritized fixes.
Get the full AI breakdown free →What your DR value means
The DR value is a single number summarizing how much dynamic contrast a master has — the gap between its loudest peaks and its average loudness. Here's a rough guide by range:
| DR value | Character | Typical of |
|---|---|---|
| DR14+ | Excellent, very open | Jazz, classical, audiophile, film/sync |
| DR10–13 | Good, dynamic | Rock, acoustic, well-mastered pop |
| DR8–9 | Moderate | Mainstream pop, electronic |
| DR6–7 | Compressed | Loud commercial masters |
| DR5 and below | Heavily squashed | Brickwalled "loudness war" masters |
DR vs. LUFS — they measure different things
It's easy to confuse the two, but they answer different questions. LUFS tells you how loud a track is overall, which matters for streaming loudness normalization. DR tells you how dynamic it is — whether the music still has punch and contrast, or whether limiting has flattened it. Two masters can sit at the same −9 LUFS yet have wildly different DR values: one breathing at DR11, another crushed to DR5.
For sync, film and audiophile delivery, dynamics are often a feature, not a problem — a DR-rich master leaves room for a track to swell and recede with picture. For loud club or radio contexts, lower DR is a deliberate choice. Knowing the number lets you make that call on purpose instead of by accident. Pair this with the LUFS meter to see the full loudness picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DR value?
A DR (Dynamic Range) value measures the difference between the loudest peaks and the average loudness of a track, expressed as a single number like DR8 or DR14. It comes from the Pleasurize / TT DR Offline Meter standard. Higher means more dynamic contrast; lower means a more compressed master.
What is a good DR value?
It depends on genre. DR14+ is excellent (jazz, classical, audiophile). DR10–13 is good and dynamic. DR8–9 is moderate (mainstream pop, electronic). DR6–7 is compressed, and DR5 or below is heavily squashed — common in loud commercial masters but often fatiguing.
How is DR different from LUFS?
LUFS measures how loud a track is overall; DR measures how dynamic it is — the gap between peaks and average level. Two tracks can share the same LUFS but very different DR. LUFS is about streaming loudness; DR is about whether your master still breathes.
Is this DR meter free and private?
Yes. It's completely free with no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your audio file is decoded and analyzed locally and never leaves your device.