A method for using encoder-generated metadata in audio decoding operations, the method comprising: receiving, by an audio decoder (14, 521), an input audio signal encoded for an audio channel configuration, the input audio signal including audio samples; receiving the encoder-generated metadata (13, 513, 515), the encoder-generated metadata comprising: a first loudness related value; a plurality of gain values in accordance with a dynamic range control profile that defines the operational characteristics of a dynamic range compressor; parameters that identify a number of audio channels and the audio channel configuration; converting the audio samples into an output audio signal with a target output level, the converting comprising: performing dynamic range control using said plurality of gain values, thereby yielding dynamic range controlled audio samples; converting said first loudness related value to a second loudness related value based on a reversible relationship configured to convert first loudness related values determined according to a first procedure into second loudness related values determined according to a second procedure; deriving a gain value from the target output level and the second loudness related value; and applying said gain value to the dynamic range controlled audio samples. receiving, by an audio decoder (14, 521), an input audio signal encoded for an audio channel configuration, the input audio signal including audio samples; receiving the encoder-generated metadata (13, 513, 515), the encoder-generated metadata comprising: a first loudness related value; a plurality of gain values in accordance with a dynamic range control profile that defines the operational characteristics of a dynamic range compressor; parameters that identify a number of audio channels and the audio channel configuration; a first loudness related value; a plurality of gain values in accordance with a dynamic range control profile that defines the operational characteristics of a dynamic range compressor; parameters that identify a number of audio channels and the audio channel configuration; converting the audio samples into an output audio signal with a target output level, the converting comprising: performing dynamic range control using said plurality of gain values, thereby yielding dynamic range controlled audio samples; converting said first loudness related value to a second loudness related value based on a reversible relationship configured to convert first loudness related values determined according to a first procedure into second loudness related values determined according to a second procedure; deriving a gain value from the target output level and the second loudness related value; and applying said gain value to the dynamic range controlled audio samples. performing dynamic range control using said plurality of gain values, thereby yielding dynamic range controlled audio samples; converting said first loudness related value to a second loudness related value based on a reversible relationship configured to convert first loudness related values determined according to a first procedure into second loudness related values determined according to a second procedure; deriving a gain value from the target output level and the second loudness related value; and applying said gain value to the dynamic range controlled audio samples.