MixingStudio Practice
K-System (K-Meter)
Definition
A metering system developed by mastering engineer Bob Katz that establishes a standardized monitoring reference level aligned to program loudness. The K-14 scale is common for music production; K-20 for film and broadcast.
In Simple Terms
A metering standard that ties your speaker volume to your meter readings, so your mixing decisions are consistent from session to session. Used by mastering engineers to make reliable loudness judgments.
In Practice
Mixing at K-14 with a monitoring level of 83 dBSPL ensures consistent loudness decisions across sessions and aligns with professional mastering expectations.
Sources & Verification
- Katz, B. — Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (3rd ed., chapters on K-System metering)Focal Press, 2014
- Katz, B. — An Integrated Approach to Metering, Monitoring, and Leveling PracticesJournal of the Audio Engineering Society, 2000
Last verified: 2026-05-05