System and method for optimizing the loudness and dynamic range by different playback devices

A method, comprising: receiving, in a bit stream comprising audio data, metadata associated with the audio data; analyzing the metadata in the bitstream to determine if a parameter loudness for a first group of audio playback devices (510, 512, 514, 516) is available in the bitstream; responsive to determining that the parameter is present in the first group, using the parameter and the audio data for audio mixing; and responsive to determining that the parameter of the sound is not present in the first group, analyze one or more characteristics of the first group, and determining based on one or more characteristics parameter, wherein one or more characteristics comprise gain levels for different profiles of audio data.