What LUFS Should I Master to An Whats Too Loud

Feb 1

When mastering music, it's important to be aware of loudness levels and how they can affect the audio quality and listening experience. LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is a measurement used to quantify loudness in audio, and it is used to ensure that audio is at a consistent loudness level across different platforms and devices.

The recommended loudness level for music is around -14 LUFS, which is considered the industry standard. This level allows for a good balance of loudness and dynamic range, and ensures that the audio is loud enough to be heard but not so loud that it becomes distorted or fatiguing to listen to.

However, it's important to note that some music genres, such as electronic dance music (EDM) or heavy metal, may have louder average loudness levels.

It's also important to note that loudness levels can vary across different streaming platforms and devices. For example, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have different loudness targets for their music, so it's important to check the recommended loudness levels for the platform you're delivering the final master to.

Overall, it's important to be aware of loudness levels when mastering music and to use LUFS measurements as a guide, but it's also important to consider the genre and the final destination of the music. A good rule of thumb is to keep loudness levels around -14 LUFS, but to also take into account the specific requirements of the platform you are delivering the master to.

The recommended LUFS target for EDM music can vary depending on the specific style of EDM and the intended listening environment. However, a good starting point for EDM music is around -8 LUFS to -6 LUFS. This loudness level allows for a good balance of loudness and dynamic range, while also providing a loud and energetic sound that is well-suited to the genre.

It's important to note that EDM music often has a higher average loudness level compared to other genres, and that loudness can be an important aspect of the genre's aesthetic. EDM music is often played in loud environments such as clubs, festivals, or on loud sound systems, so it's essential that the music can maintain its energy and impact.

It's also important to note that some platforms such as Spotify, Tidal and Soundcloud have a limit of -9 LUFS in their loudness standard, that's why it's important to take this into account when mastering for streaming services.

It's also important to consider the overall dynamic range of the audio and avoid overcompressing or limiting the audio. A good mastering engineer will be able to balance the loudness of the audio while maintaining its dynamic range and preserving its musicality.

Overall, while a good LUFS target for EDM music is around -8 LUFS to -6 LUFS, it's important to consider the specific requirements of the platform you're delivering the master to, and to also take into account the dynamic range and the intended listening environment.

When mastering EDM music for streaming services, it's important to consider the loudness standards of the specific platforms you're delivering the master to. Some platforms, such as Spotify and Tidal, have loudness standards of -9 LUFS, which is a bit lower than the typical loudness level of -6 LUFS for EDM music.

That being said, it's also important to consider the overall dynamic range of the audio and avoid overcompressing or limiting the audio. A good mastering engineer will be able to balance the loudness of the audio while maintaining its dynamic range and preserving its musicality.

It's important to remember that mastering for streaming services is a compromise between loudness and dynamic range. You want to make sure your music sounds great, but also it should comply with the loudness standard of the platform you're delivering the master to.

It's worth to mention that some platforms like YouTube, Soundcloud and Bandcamp are more flexible in terms of loudness and some others like Spotify and Tidal have more strict loudness standards, so it's important to understand the requirements of the different platforms you're delivering your music to.

In summary, it's recommended to master to a loudness level of around -9 LUFS for streaming services, but it's also important to consider the overall dynamic range of the audio and the platform you're delivering the master to. A mastering engineer will be able to balance the loudness and dynamic range to achieve a great final master.

The loudness level of an audio track can have an impact on the listening experience, especially when listening over long periods of time. A lower LUFS level, such as -14 LUFS, can provide a more comfortable listening experience over long periods of time because it allows for a greater dynamic range, which can reduce listener fatigue.

A dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and softest parts of a track. A greater dynamic range allows for more contrast and variation in the audio, which can make it more engaging and interesting to listen to. A higher LUFS level like -6 LUFS can result in a more compressed and less dynamic audio, which can become fatiguing to the ears over time.

Additionally, a lower LUFS level like -14 LUFS can also provide a more natural-sounding audio, as it allows for more of the original dynamic range of the audio to be preserved. This allows for more of the nuances and subtleties of the audio to be heard, which can enhance the listening experience.

However, it's also important to note that loudness levels are a matter of personal preference and taste. Some listeners might prefer a louder audio, even if it's less dynamic and more fatiguing over time, depending on the genre and listening environment.

Overall, a lower LUFS level like -14 LUFS can provide a more comfortable listening experience over long periods of time, because it allows for a greater dynamic range and a more natural-sounding audio. However, it's also important to consider the intended listening environment and personal preferences when mastering.

In summary, when mastering music, it's important to consider the loudness level and how it can affect the listening experience. LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is a measurement used to quantify loudness in audio, and it is used to ensure that audio is at a consistent loudness level across different platforms and devices.

The recommended loudness level for music is around -14 LUFS, which is considered the industry standard and provides a good balance of loudness and dynamic range. However, some music genres, such as EDM, may have louder average loudness levels.

It's also important to note that loudness levels can vary across different streaming platforms and devices, and to check the recommended loudness levels for the platform you're delivering the final master to.

A lower LUFS level, such as -14 LUFS, can provide a more comfortable listening experience over long periods of time because it allows for a greater dynamic range which can reduce listener fatigue, and a more natural-sounding audio. However, it's also important to consider the intended listening environment and personal preferences when mastering.

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