Seen here. Tidal implementing normalization in accordance with Eelco Grimm's recommendations.
This had me worried, because Spotify's version of "normalization" is, in fact, dynamic compression, so I am wary of moves towards imposing it on everyone. However, it seems as though Tidal's system of true normalization on a whole-album basis will be much more sensible.In Tidal’s recent update of their iOS and Android apps, loudness normalization is now turned ON by default. With this move, Tidal follows the trend towards automatic loudness normalization that was initiated by Spotify and Youtube.
They will not be providing a per-track normalization option, thus keeping the dynamic variations within an album that the artist intends. And also avoiding the potential issue of gain jumps when tracks on an album run into each other gaplessly - possibly one reason why Spotify uses compression rather than normalization.Eelco Grimm said:"Tidal adopted album normalization at -14 LUFS and followed my recommendation to turn loudness normalization on by default. This is not only convenient for the listener, but it also helps to end the Loudness War since there is no advantage anymore in squashing the life out of a master. Such a track will just be attenuated more in the Music Streamer’s app and make less impact than a dynamically mastered track. I am very excited about this development.