Mastering
LUFS and true peak: how loud should a master be?
LUFS measures loudness over time. True peak estimates peaks between the recorded samples. Use both meters to check your master, and listen for distortion, pumping or lost drum attack as you raise the level. Check the delivery guidance for the service you plan to use.
Know what each meter measures
Integrated LUFS measures loudness across the part of the track you play through the meter. Shorter measurements show how it changes within the song. True peak estimates peaks between digital samples. A mix can stay below a peak ceiling and still sound heavily compressed.
Measure the entire intended program, not just its loudest chorus, when comparing integrated readings. A long quiet intro can lower the average without changing the intensity of the chorus.
Understand streaming volume adjustment
Spotify’s Normal setting adjusts playback toward −14 LUFS. Its mastering guidance also recommends −14 integrated LUFS and a true peak below −1 dBTP, or below −2 dBTP for louder masters. These are delivery recommendations; a LUFS reading alone cannot tell you how the mix sounds. Check Spotify’s linked guidance for current device and playback details.
For a fair comparison, turn down a louder reference until the apparent playback levels are similar. Otherwise extra level can seem like extra detail, even when it reduces the movement you liked in the mix.
Listen for the point where limiting hurts the mix
Make a conservative version and a denser version. Match their playback loudness, then listen to the snare attack, kick definition, vocal consonants and reverb tails. If the denser version pumps, distorts or loses contrast, back off and examine the mix before adding another processor.
A low bass note may drive a limiter differently from a sharp percussion hit. Fixing an isolated mix problem can preserve more impact than lowering the entire master’s ceiling or pushing more input gain.
Check the exported file
Export the actual format you intend to deliver and listen through it. Confirm the opening, ending, channel layout, sample rate and absence of accidental clipping. Test a compressed preview when that is part of your workflow; conversion can reveal issues that were less apparent in the session.
A meter screenshot cannot show how the exported audio sounds. Compare on familiar systems at ordinary listening levels. Date your exports and note what you changed.
Try this in your next session
- Measure the full track and distinguish integrated loudness from peaks.
- Compare limiting alternatives at similar listening levels.
- Verify current destination requirements and listen to the exported file.
Common questions
Should every Spotify master be −14 LUFS?
Spotify recommends −14 integrated LUFS, but loudness alone does not tell you whether a master sounds good. Listen for distortion and lost drum attack, and check its current delivery guidance before exporting.
Does a true-peak limiter guarantee clean audio?
No. Distortion may already exist earlier in the chain, and aggressive limiting can have audible side effects even when the peak reading stays below the ceiling.
Sources & further reading
Check your DAW, plugin and release service documentation for current settings and requirements.
