What EXACTLY does the + or - dB represent in song file info?

Question

What EXACTLY does the + or - dB represent in song file info?

I’m using iTunes 12.7 on my Noteboo PC running Window 10. When I choose a song file and open song info the usual tabs appear Details, Artwork, Lyrics

etc. But when I open the last tab; File,

it displays detailed information about that particular song.

But the thing I’m confused about is next to “Volume”.

As you can see below, the Volume is -14.7 dB. I’ve remastered songs using audio recovery software, adjusted the gain and re-imported it into iTunes only to see the Volume Info read some nonsensical number.

Any help or info would sure be appreciated - especially if this number is effecting the quality of my audio

Thank you.

Jim

Posted on Oct 5, 2017 8:13 AM

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Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,548 points

Oct 5, 2017 8:46 AM in response to alias desired 02840

Alias,

That is the number based on iTunes's analysis of the volume level when the song is first added to the library. It is then used by SoundCheck on playback to to tell iTunes how to adjust the volume.

It is negative for songs that are mastered "hot" (e.g. your AC/DC track), and positive for songs with more traditional mastering (e.g. classical music recordings).

As you know, it is not really possible to describe the volume characteristics in a single number, and Apple has not stated exactly what it is capturing.

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Answer 2

Oct 5, 2017 8:46 AM in response to ed2345

Thank you very much. As an iPhone User since Day One of iPhone 1, I’ve found the details ‘we’re allowed to see’ really have little or nothing to do with ‘reality’ And what Apple is seeing on their end.

Amazing.

Thanks once again for the excellent (and blazing fast) answer.

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Answer 3

ed2345

Level 9

63,548 points

Oct 5, 2017 1:23 PM in response to alias desired 02840

alias desired 02840 wrote:

Thank you very much. As an iPhone User since Day One of iPhone 1, I’ve found the details ‘we’re allowed to see’ really have little or nothing to do with ‘reality’ And what Apple is seeing on their end.

Amazing.

Thanks once again for the excellent (and blazing fast) answer.

Alias - You are welcome. -Ed.

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