I get quite a bit of push-back about the Loudness Penalty idea – and I think some of it is a simple misunderstanding.

In a nutshell, the "penalty" isn't about the numbers, it's about how the music sounds because of those numbers.

It's easier to hear (and see) than explain in words, which is why I made the video above, using example songs from this week's UK Top 20, including "Golden" from the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack.

It's a great tune, but like most K-Pop the loudness has been pushed really hard, so I couldn't help asking - how would it sound with better dynamics ?

And in fact we don't have to wonder - I can demonstrate it to you.

Which is exactly what I do, along with two other examples.

Take a listen – can you hear the difference ?