How Loud Should You Master Your Music?

Covers loudness during mastering, specifically where to set limiter ceilings for peak loudness and how much to push the limiter for average loudness on streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.

Loudness settings are a source of stress and worry for many producers, with conflicting advice from different sources.

Rather than providing rules, the video goes directly to streaming sites to show exactly what they ask for and how to match those specifications.

• FL Studio as the DAW • Ozone Limiter for loudness limiting • Free loudness meter for accurate measurements

People typically set ceilings to -0.1dB or -0.3dB based on vague advice rather than actual platform requirements, with no consistent guidance.

• Transcodes WAV files to OGG, AAC, or other formats depending on device and platform • Uses loudness normalization to maintain consistent levels across tracks • Recommends integrated LUFS of -14dB (overall loudness) and peak loudness of -1dB true peak

True peak measurement must be engaged to prevent clipping during transcoding. Without it, peaks can exceed the limiter setting due to the encoding process.

Start at -1dB ceiling to ensure optimal encoding quality. Setting it much higher than -14dB overall loudness risks distortion during transcoding without improving the track.

The loudness meter provides short-term loudness, integrated loudness, and dynamic range measurements. Spotify presets are available to reference -14dB target.

Engaging true peak limiting ensures the actual peak doesn't exceed the ceiling. When true peak is off, peaks can exceed -0.3dB limiter setting due to interpolation in transcoding.

Set the ceiling to approximately -1.1dB to ensure true peak reads at -1dB when measured by accurate loudness meters.

Pushing the ceiling higher (e.g., -0.3dB instead of -1.1dB) does not make the track sound better; it only increases distortion risk when transcoded to streaming formats.

• Applies to all tracks equally, creating a level playing field for independent artists • Boosts tracks quieter than -14dB LUFS using their own limiting • Does not discriminate against artists; ensures consistent listening experience

Aim for at least -14dB integrated LUFS to match Spotify's standard. Beyond this target, you can push the limiter as much as desired based on sound preference.

Song dynamics affect overall loudness; quieter intro sections may pull down the integrated LUFS average, requiring more aggressive limiting to reach -14dB target.

Some producers intentionally push 2-3dB louder for additional glue and crunch, but this is optional and depends on personal preference for the track's sound.

Loudness Penalty Analyzer is a free service that shows how much a track will be turned down on streaming sites, providing tangible feedback on loudness targets.

• Export different master versions with varying limiter thresholds • Drag files into the analyzer to see loudness penalty values • Match the penalty levels in your DAW to compare versions at equal loudness

Import multiple versions into your DAW, apply matching gain reduction, and bypass mastering effects to hear how each version sounds at the actual loudness listeners will hear on Spotify.

Choose the version that sounds best to you after comparing at equal loudness levels, rather than relying solely on peak levels during mastering.

Perceived loudness comes primarily from mixing techniques rather than pushing the limiter harder. Strategic mixing creates the illusion of loudness.

• Distribution of energy across frequencies affects perceived loudness • High-end heavy mixes sound louder than low-end heavy mixes • EQ adjustments can significantly change how loud a track feels

• Making verses quieter than choruses makes choruses feel significantly louder • Macro-level dynamic arrangement impacts perceived impact and loudness

• Lowering vocal levels strategically forces listeners to turn up volume, amplifying instruments • Subtle tape, tube, or saturation distortion throughout the mix adds harmonic richness and perceived loudness • 5-10% saturation blended on tracks creates noticeable improvement

Check Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms before mastering, as loudness standards and values have changed significantly over the last 5-6 years and may continue to evolve.

Loudness normalization rules exist to create fairness and equality, not to discriminate against independent artists. They protect listeners from hearing damage and ensure consistent experience.

There is no need to stress excessively about loudness specifications. Understanding the tools and following platform guidelines takes the guesswork out of mastering decisions.

• Use accurate loudness meters to verify specifications • Export multiple versions and compare them at matching levels • Focus on mixing techniques for perceived loudness rather than pushing limiters