Sound Check (Apple's volume normalization) changed target level?

[DeLub]

Apple Music used to normalize tracks at -16LUFS. And I remember reading that Atmos tracks are required by Dolby to be mixed at -18. And I assume Atmos tracks are not subjected to normalization in Apple Music. This explained why Atmos tracks were always a bit softer than the stereo tracks. But I while back I noticed that at the regular volume level I listen to music, the stereo tracks were softer than before. And sure enough, when I added the EBU reference signal (which is -23LUFS) in Apple Music I could see that it would get boosted by only +3,0. Therefore it seems that Apple settled on a new normalization target of -20LUFS. And it confirms why now the stereo tracks are softer than the Atmos tracks.

Anyone else notice this?

It actually think this is, in part at least, a good thing, as this allows for more dynamic range which is helpful especially for classical music. But I don't understand why stereo and Atmos tracks don't have the same target level. Either they should have chosen -18 as target, or also attenuate atmos tracks to -20. I feel this is a missed opportunity. But perhaps I'm missing something here?

 

[palm]

This would explain why Atmos tracks are louder on HomePod, this is annoying and I hope it’s not a trick to promote spatial audio. Personally I’m not against those Atmos mixes, but I’d rather avoid an artificial volume difference.

I have another related question and that’s how I found your post: is this sound check / volume normalization working on iOS with Apple Music in lossless mode with an external DAC?
I would prefer that (I used replayGain years ago before this switch to streaming)
I understand it would not be bitperfect anymore but those who want that can still disable volume normalization.

I’m asking because I just received an RME DAC that I use with an iPad and found myself playing a lot with the volume from track to track.
I will make additional tests but the fact that the lossless badge doesn’t always appear when I change the setting is annoying and doesn’t help.

 

[Miniyouuuu]

Last month I was surprised why my 100w amp was unable to raise 95db through my 90db sensitivity speakers.
Few days ago I discovered my AppleTV was streaming dolby atmos but my amp is stereo. As I configured AppleTV as Stereo only, volumen raised 12dB.