Mixing · 4 min read

How to read a Music Analyzer report

Peak, RMS, crest factor, and band energy — what each number means, and when to act on it.

The Music Analyzer gives you five numbers about your track. Once you know what they mean, you can spot a mix problem in about ten seconds.

Peak vs. RMS vs. crest factor

Peak is the loudest single sample. RMS is the average energy. Crest factor is the gap between them. A healthy modern mix lives around 10–14 dB of crest. Below 6 dB means you've flattened it so hard the life is gone. Above 20 dB means the perceived loudness will feel weak next to commercial releases.

Band energy balance

The low/mid/high percentages tell you where the energy lives. A bass-forward mix skews low. A radio-ready pop mix is usually balanced with a slight mid emphasis. If you're ~65% high, you probably have too much cymbal or sibilance.

The energy timeline

The 48-bucket timeline is your crash-check for arrangement. If the second chorus doesn't read visibly louder than the first, your arrangement isn't lifting. Fix it before mixing.

Next Step

Keep going

Read another guide or jump straight back to the tool catalog.