File failed QC: R128 ShortTerm

If your QC report shows R128 ShortTerm in red, part of your ad is too loud, even if the average loudness is fine.

R128 ShortTerm – reading the QC report

• The value next to R128 ShortTerm is the highest short-term loudness measured in the uploaded file, not the limit. For example, -17.800 means the loudest 3-second section measures -17.8 LUFS.
• This check only applies in some countries, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH), where the maximum short-term loudness is -18 LUFS.
• To check whether your ad has a short-term limit, see Which technical specification should I use for my ad?

R128 ShortTerm – what it means

Audio Loudness measures the average over the whole ad. Short-term loudness is measured over a sliding 3-second window. Even if the average is on target, a loud 3-second section, such as a sting, an end line or a music hit, can go over the limit.

The QC measures loudness to the EBU R128 standard.

R128 ShortTerm – likely cause

This is usually a file fault. Common causes:

• A loud moment (music hit, sound effect, voice-over end line) pushes one section over the limit.
• The mix was made for a country without a short-term limit.

R128 ShortTerm – fix

1. Click View Specs on your ad to see the short-term limit for your file.
2. Use a loudness meter that shows short-term loudness (EBU R128) to find the loud section, and bring that section down, for example with a limiter or by lowering the level, until it stays under the limit.
3. Check that Audio Loudness is still on target, re-export using the matching Export Guide, and upload the file again.

R128 ShortTerm – when to contact Customer Success

• You’ve exported the file using the specification shown by the View Specs link for the ad in your campaign, but it still fails this check.