dBworx: Complete Guide to Features & Pricing

Quick Start: Setting Up dBworx for Podcast and Broadcast

What dBworx does

dBworx is an audio processing platform tailored for broadcast and podcast workflows. It provides loudness management, automated processing chains, codecs, metadata handling, and delivery tooling to ensure consistent, compliant audio across platforms.

Quick checklist (preparation)

1. Install: Obtain the appropriate installer for your OS and license.
2. Account & License: Activate with your license key or sign in to your account.
3. Audio interface: Connect and configure your microphone(s) and monitors.
4. Target specs: Decide loudness target (e.g., -16 LUFS for podcasts, -23 LUFS for broadcast), sample rate (48 kHz common for broadcast), and codec (AAC, MP3, WAV).
5. Routing: Plan input/output routing — live vs. file-based processing.

Basic setup steps

1. Launch and scan devices: Open dBworx and let it detect audio devices. Select input and output hardware.
2. Create a new session or preset: Start from a template (podcast or broadcast) if available.
3. Set loudness target: Choose your loudness standard (EBU R128 / -23 LUFS for broadcast; -16 to -14 LUFS for podcasts).
4. Add processing modules: Insert modules like noise gate, de-esser, compressor, equalizer, and limiter in logical order. Use provided presets as starting points.
5. Configure codec/export settings: Pick format (WAV for masters, AAC/MP3 for delivery), bitrates, and metadata fields (title, episode number, ISRC if needed).
6. Monitor meters: Use true-peak and LUFS meters while playing test audio; adjust processing to meet targets without clipping.
7. Run loudness normalization: Apply integrated normalization to reach target LUFS and true-peak limits (-1 dBTP or -2 dBTP per platform).
8. Save preset: Save the chain as a preset for future episodes or channels.

Live vs. File-based tips

• Live: Use conservative compression and slower attack times to avoid pumping; enable look-ahead limiting if available. Monitor CPU and latency.
• File-based: Process offline with higher-quality codec and more aggressive cleanup (spectral repair, batch normalization) then export multiple delivery formats.

Common delivery targets and settings

• Podcast (typical): -16 LUFS, -1 dBTP, 48 kHz WAV master; 128–192 kbps AAC/MP3 for feed.
• Broadcast (EU/UK): -23 LUFS (EBU R128), -1 dBTP, 48 kHz WAV; follow station-specific codecs/bitrates.

Quick troubleshooting

• Audio sounds squashed: Reduce compression ratio or raise threshold; check make-up gain.
• Loudness still off: Verify meter calibration and ensure normalization module applied after processing.
• Clipping on export: Lower limiter ceiling or increase true-peak headroom to -1 to -2 dBTP.

Final checklist before delivery

• Confirm LUFS and true-peak compliance.
• Verify metadata and file naming.
• Export a high-quality master and create required delivery codecs.
• Test-play final file on common devices.

If you want, I can create a ready-to-import dBworx preset for a podcast host voice at -16 LUFS and export settings for Apple Podcasts.