Is there a standard in RMS metering?

[bholst]

As I've been testing out some various plugins, a couple of which included RMS metering, I noticed that no 2 plugins seemed to agree when it came to RMS metering. They actually varied quite dramatically in my opinion. So, either, there isn't really a standard, OR I'm not exactly sure of what I'm looking at (far more likely to be the case). Someone care to educate me?
Here's an example. I was using the TT meter and had a mix peaking RMS at about -6. I was testing out the Slate FG-X plugin and dialed things in until I got a pleasant sounding master, also peaking at -6 according to the Slate plug, but when I checked it on TT, it was going closer to -4
That's not even close, and that's not the only example. Some are closer than others.
What am I running into here?

-holster

[Stan_Halen]

"There isn’t a widespread calibration standard for RMS metering so you’ll have to compare values from a few references to what you’re working on."

Audio Metering Introduction « Audio Geek Zine

Since RMS is a calculated "average" level, it can probably get as complicated and diverse as advanced mathematics can make it.

[Stan_Halen]

They actually varied quite dramatically in my opinion.

I think an even bigger question here, is how can someone else review your mix and say "hey dude, you didn't hit -6 RMS level like the boss said" when they may not be using the same meter as you are?

[acidfrost]

I think an even bigger question here, is how can someone else review your mix and say "hey dude, you didn't hit -6 RMS level like the boss said" when they may not be using the same meter as you are?

But the boss said on the TT meter

[garageband]

Isn't that what Bob Katz' K-Scale is about? I've seen it on a couple of things. My UAD limiter has that, I think.

[bobbybovine]

From the limited stuff I read on the subject, I believe the variations are due to taking a different number of samples in the calculation. But I could be totally wrong.

Sent from my Galaxy Ace using Tapatalk 2.

[bholst]

All good stuff gents and I agree that ultimately checking references is where it's at, but I find it odd that, to me, they vary so dramtically. It's not like we're seeing 3.1415 compared to 3.142, it's more like 3.14 compared to 7. That's like
a HUGELY different equation going on there. Not really a valid unit of anything if no 2 sources can even
Remotely agree.