Crest factor is an often overlooked part of audio production, yet it acts as an important limit to overall loudness. We propose a technique to optimize relative polarities in order to yield the lowest possible peak value. We suggest this is a way of addressing loudness maximization that is more sonically transparent than peak limiting or compression. We also explore additional uses that polarity analysis may have in the context of mixing audio. Results show this is a fairly effective strategy, with average crest factor reductions of 3 dB, resulting in equivalent values for loudness enhancement. While still not comparable to the amount of reduction peak limiters are typically used for, the approach is seen as more transparent via subjective evaluation, through a multi-stimulus test.

Authors: Pestana, Pedro Duarte; Reiss, Joshua D.; Barbosa, Alvaro
Affiliations: Catholic University of Oporto - CITAR, Oporto, Portugal; Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Queen Mary University of London, London, UK(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 138 (May 2015) Paper Number: 9238
Publication Date: May 6, 2015
Subject: Recording and Production

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