Aim for -8 LUFS with controlled gain reduction
Problem: track too quiet or too loud
Setting your track to around -8 LUFS ensures it's loud enough to compete with commercial releases without sacrificing dynamic range. Using a limiter with 7 dB of gain and a clipper to reduce peak levels helps achieve…
Avoid fixating on LUFs during mastering
Problem: Over-optimization for loudness metrics
Mastering should focus on making the track sound full and powerful in context, not on hitting specific loudness targets. Relying on LUF numbers can be misleading because different genres and tracks have varying dynamic…
Loudness varies by genre and track content
Problem: Mismatched loudness expectations across genres
Loudness targets (LUFs) are not universal. A metal track with heavy distortion might naturally sit at -12 LUFS, while an acoustic track with dynamic range could be at -6 LUFS. Forcing a track into a specific LUF range…
L-UFS is a loudness standard, not a target — aim for quality
Problem: misunderstanding L-UFS as a mandatory target
The L-UFS (Loudness Unit Relative to Full Scale) is a standard for measuring loudness, but it's not a target to hit. Spotify normalizes all tracks to -14 L-UFS regardless of the original loudness. Focus on making the…
Adjust limiter output to fix true peak overages
Problem: true peak distortion on streaming
True peak max exceeding 0dB can cause distortion on streaming platforms. In Pro L, reducing the limiter's output knob to -0.1dB ensures compliance without sacrificing loudness. This is a common fix in mastering to…
Use metering plugins to monitor levels, frequency spectrum, and phase
Problem: inconsistent loudness, poor frequency balance
Metering plugins are crucial for checking loudness (LUFS), peak levels, frequency balance, and phase coherence. They provide visual feedback to ensure the mix adheres to industry standards and maintains clarity.…
Set loudness target between -9 and -11 LUFS
Problem: inconsistent loudness, poor mastering
The speaker adjusts the limiter's target to -10.5 LUFS (between -9 and -11) to achieve a balanced loudness. This range ensures the track is competitive with commercial releases without introducing distortion. The process…
Use loudness meters to target -9 to -11 LUFS short-term range
Problem: inconsistent loudness, poor mastering prep
The speaker sets a target of -9 to -11 LUFS for short-term loudness, noting they're already at -8. This aligns with industry standards for competitive loudness while retaining punch. The audible result is a mix that…
Reference loudness levels during mastering
Problem: inconsistent loudness
The speaker mentions adjusting the mix to a competitive loudness level (around -7.5 LUFS). This emphasizes the importance of loudness normalization in mastering to ensure the track sits well with commercial releases.…
Use a limiter on the master bus to identify constraints in the mix
Problem: Hidden muddiness or frequency imbalances in the mix
Raising the master bus to contemporary loudness standards reveals hidden issues like muddiness or frequency imbalances. This technique helps identify the point where the mix starts to distort, exposing constraints that…
Push the limiter to -7/-6 LUFS to expose mix limitations
Problem: Low-end distortion at high loudness levels
This extreme test reveals when the mix starts to distort, highlighting problematic frequency ranges (e.g., low-end muddiness). It's a diagnostic tool to pinpoint areas needing EQ or arrangement changes. The example shows…
Adjust sweep time for accurate RMS/LUFS analysis
Problem: inaccurate loudness measurements
Customizing the sweep time in the plugin's reference tab allows you to analyze how the signal behaves over different time intervals. Shorter times highlight transients, while longer times show average levels. This is…
Target -9 LUFS for mastered tracks
Problem: inconsistent loudness, poor streaming performance
The speaker mentions being at -9 LUFS as a reference point, indicating this is a common loudness target for commercial releases. Maintaining this level ensures the track is competitive on streaming platforms without…
Set reference track loudness to -18 LU
Problem: incompatible loudness, poor mastering compatibility
Commercial tracks are typically mastered to -18 LU (loudness units) for optimal dynamic range. Matching your mix to this standard ensures accurate frequency and stereo comparisons. Deviating from this makes your mix…
Apply a limiter on the master track with 0.18dB ceiling
Problem: track too quiet or clipped
Using a limiter (e.g., FabFilter Pro L2) with a 0.18dB ceiling prevents clipping while maximizing loudness. The creator recommends using the 'Mastering' preset and setting the release to 100ms for smooth dynamics. This…
Prioritize dynamic range over extreme loudness
Problem: over-compression for loudness
The speaker accepts a loudness of -7.9 LUFS, emphasizing that the track should remain dynamic rather than pushing for maximum loudness. This approach preserves the natural ebb and flow of the music, avoiding the…
Use mastering tools to increase average volume without affecting peak level
Problem: track not loud enough for streaming
Boosting the average volume (LUFS) while keeping the peak level unchanged makes the track sound louder without clipping. This is achieved through multiband compression and limiting. The result is a more competitive…
Set LUFS to -8 for commercial loudness standards
Problem: inconsistent loudness on streaming
Auto master's loudness target should be set to -8LUFS for most commercial releases. This aligns with industry benchmarks and ensures the track is competitive on streaming platforms. Deviating from this can lead to either…
Set target loudness to -8 LUFS for mastering
Problem: Track too quiet or too loud for streaming
Modern streaming platforms normalize tracks to around -8 LUFS. Setting this as a target ensures the track will sound competitive on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. This is a universal standard for loudness,…
Use reference tracks to match mastering loudness and frequency spread
Problem: inconsistent loudness and frequency balance
By loading a reference track into Faster Master, the plugin automatically aligns the mix's loudness (-6.8 LUFS) and frequency curve with the reference. This helps identify gaps in the mix's frequency spectrum and ensures…
Use the Eulene Loudness Meter for accurate loudness targeting
Problem: inaccurate loudness measurements, inconsistent mastering
The Eulene Loudness Meter is described as the best loudness meter available, and it's essential for ensuring your track reaches the desired loudness levels during mastering. It provides precise measurements that help you…