Izotope Rx: Optimizing master loudness for streaming

Izotope Rx Try it →Watch full video →Mastering․com · May 2026

Demo summary

The demonstrator uses the Loudness Optimize module to boost the level of quiet sections in a master without affecting the loudest peaks.

Step-by-step

Open the Loudness Optimize module in iZotope RX
Click the Learn function to analyze the average signal of the audio
Render the processing to boost the quieter sections of the track

Options

Apply the module to a pre-mastered track to refine loudness consistency

Watch out for

Spotify's normalization can make quieter sections sound too quiet if macro dynamics are not optimized

Tips

Focus on getting the loudest part of the track to your target loudness first before addressing the quieter sections
Prioritize the loudness of the loudest section over the -14 LUFS integrated target recommended by streaming platforms
Use this module to close the distance between quiet and loud sections without affecting the peak loudness of the loudest parts

Highlights

“the beauty about this is we can use this on a mastered track... and that's going to make all of your quieter bits come up in loudness”

All demos from “How to Use iZotope RX12 (Musicians Guide)”

4:250:49Identifying drum transients in the RX 12 SpectrogramThe narrator zooms into a drum recording to show how vertical lines in the spectrogram represent full-frequency transients like kick drum hits.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Editor
6:581:21Analyzing broadband noise and reverbThe narrator demonstrates how ambient reverb and room noise appear as 'cloudy dense fog' between vocal phrases in the RX 12 interface.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
8:241:09Locating plosives in vocal recordingsThe demonstrator identifies low-frequency 'hot spots' in the spectrogram to pinpoint and play back distracting 'P' and 'B' plosive sounds.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
10:241:18Importing files and toggling view modesA demonstration of dragging a vocal file into RX 12 and using the slider to transition between waveform and spectrogram displays.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Editor
13:211:43Removing plosives with the De-plosive moduleThe narrator uses the frequency-time selection tool to isolate a plosive and renders the De-plosive module to clean the audio.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
15:231:27Comparing multiple processing settingsThe demonstrator shows how to use the 'Compare' history to toggle between original audio and two different De-plosive settings before rendering.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
21:083:20Using advanced selection and harmonic toolsA walkthrough of the Lasso, Paintbrush, and Magic Wand tools to select specific frequencies and their associated harmonics for processing.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Editor
26:550:58Instant Process mode for rapid editingThe narrator demonstrates the 'Instant Process' feature to automatically apply De-click and Attenuate functions simply by highlighting audio areas.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
35:582:37Real-time spectral editing in a DAW via ARAThe demonstrator uses the RX 12 Spectral Editor plugin inside Studio One to perform non-destructive plosive removal and S-attenuation directly on the timeline.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
41:011:36Splitting a mix into stems with Music RebalanceThe narrator uses the new Stem Split feature to separate a full track into voice, bass, drums, and other stems for individual processing.Izotope Rx· AI Vocal Remover & Stem Splitter
44:541:57Removing cymbal bleed from a snare trackA demonstration of the rebuilt De-bleed module using machine learning to isolate a snare drum from heavy cymbal bleed without a sidechain reference.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
47:240:56Truncating audio with Trim SilenceThe demonstrator uses the Trim Silence module to automatically remove gaps between sound design recordings and tighten the sequence.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Editor
55:372:38Batch breath removal with Breath ControlThe narrator applies the Breath Control module to an entire vocal track, adjusting sensitivity to reduce breaths while maintaining a natural sound.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
1:03:081:48Repairing clipped audio with De-clipThe demonstrator uses the De-clip module to reconstruct transients and remove digital distortion from an over-gained vocal recording.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
1:07:401:24Eliminating guitar amp humThe narrator uses the 'Learn' function in the De-hum module to identify and completely remove a consistent buzzing sound from a guitar track.Izotope Rx· AI Audio Enhancer & Noise Reduction
1:12:302:05Optimizing master loudness for streamingCurrentThe demonstrator uses the Loudness Optimize module to boost the level of quiet sections in a master without affecting the loudest peaks.Izotope Rx· AI Mastering
1:14:481:24Previewing audio on streaming codecsThe narrator uses the Streaming Preview module to hear how a track will sound when compressed by Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube codecs.Izotope Rx· AI Mastering
Watch “How to Use iZotope RX12 (Musicians Guide)” →

AI Mastering

8:392:32Analyzing masters with iZotope Insight and Tonal Balance ControlThe user imports the mastered files into a DAW and uses iZotope Insight to check loudness levels and Tonal Balance Control to compare frequency ranges against a pop music target.Orpheus Audio Academy
1:12:302:05Optimizing master loudness for streamingCurrentThe demonstrator uses the Loudness Optimize module to boost the level of quiet sections in a master without affecting the loudest peaks.Mastering․com
1:14:481:24Previewing audio on streaming codecsThe narrator uses the Streaming Preview module to hear how a track will sound when compressed by Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube codecs.Mastering․com