Default preamp level is not 0dB resulting in limited dynamic range

VLC version: 3.2.6 (344)
iOS version: 13.3.1 (17D50)

When playing an audio file in VLC, the dynamic range is noticeably inferior to other apps playing the same file (Apple Music app, MrMC (Kodi)). It sounded as if some compression was being applied. After some experimentation and research, it appears that the default preamp level is providing a boost and hence some compression is playing a role.

When I play an audio file and go to the EQ settings, the sliders all look flat (the EQ is flat, and the preamp looks to be set at 0dB). However, if I then select "Flat", the preamp slider is boosted but the volume (according to my ears) has not changed. If I then lower the preamp back to 0dB, the volume noticeably decreases. It is at this point where the dynamic range in VLC matches those of other apps. Without this workaround, the differences between the quiet and loud parts in VLC are noticeably smaller.

This post mentions a similar issue with the preamp, although with Android.

This post describes the same issue in iOS with the limited dynamic range.

This may be related to issue #706 (closed).

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