Spotify Has Turned Down the Volume–and That’s a Good Thing

You may have found yourself turning up your Spotify stream recently, depending on where you are and what software build you’re using. But if you are using version 1.0.54.1079.g3809528e, something is definitely afoot. And it’s a good thing.

Spotify has reduced playback loudness–the amount of compression on its stream–so the music has more dynamic range. There’s more of a difference between the loudest and softest passages. The music breathes a bit more.  In other words, there’s more high fidelity to Spotify’s sound.

This is a direct shot at Tidal, which touts its higher-quality stream. The new adjustments brings Spotify more in line with the audio offered by Tidal and YouTube.

It’s a victory for anyone annoyed by The Loudness Wars, this senseless attempt to make songs stand out by making them appear louder than others.

If you want to really get under the hood about what’s going on, go here.