Why louder is not always louder
Normalisation affects every genre differently; a quiet ballad and a dense electronic track rarely land on the same meter reading after upload.
Listeners on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube hear your track through normalisation: hot material gets turned down, quiet material may get lifted within limits. Slamming the limiter in mastering narrows sound without winning playlist level. We measure integrated loudness and true peak instead of trusting VU meters alone.
This guide summarises usual targets; your release stays bespoke. For mix prep: stem delivery. For tracking: studio day checklist.
Platform reference points
Spotify normalises around −14 LUFS integrated for much of the catalogue; Apple Music Sound Check behaves similarly. YouTube and video podcasts differ. We often master pop/rock slightly below the ceiling so transients breathe; jazz or acoustic can stay softer.
| Context | Typical integrated aim |
|---|---|
| Music streaming | About −14 LUFS, true peak ≤ −1 dBTP |
| Podcast / speech | −16 to −18 LUFS, steady across episodes |
| Video | Match platform and dialogue mix |
Figures are guides, not law; platforms change algorithms. We deliver masters that survive lossy encoding without clipping. When in doubt we can also print a slightly quieter master for download stores that apply their own gain.
What we measure in the suite
On calibrated monitors we check LUFS, true peak, crest factor, correlation and spectrum. We compare to your reference list, not random chart hits. Attended sessions (€165 for two hours) let you listen and react in real time.
Offline mastering starts at €82 per track, €295 for up to five songs — 21% VAT included. Full rates on Mastering and delivery.
Mix vs master boundaries
If the mix is already brickwalled, mastering has little room. Before master, confirm headroom (peaks around −6 dB is a workable aim). Mixing and editing includes 2 revision rounds — use them for balance, not loudness forcing.
Live band dynamics? live room guide helps at capture; polish comes here.
Delivery formats
Default: 24-bit WAV at release sample rate, optional AAC or mp3 preview for socials. Vinyl reference on request — phase and bass need a different pass; say so in contact.
- ISRC and distributor metadata stay on your side; we can mirror track lists.
- Dolby or spatial formats: discuss separately, not default.
- Instrumental and acapella from the same mix session on request.
Podcast and voice-over
For speech in Dutch or English, consistency across episodes beats “hot”. Track via Vocal and spoken-word recording or Voice-over and narration with the same mic distance each time. Mastering keeps episode four from shouting louder than episode one.
Master archives follow the same 14 month window as mixes; download before cleanup. Keep a local backup on a drive you control, not only cloud links.
Revisions and expectations
Mastering includes limited revisions tied to the package; big arrangement moves belong in mix. Feedback with timestamps and A/B examples works best. We avoid clipping and obvious distortion — we do not promise chart placement.
Contract terms: terms; upload privacy: privacy policy.
Booking next steps
Send approved mix bus or stems using mix delivery guide. Book attended mastering via contact — we reply within 2 business days. 35% deposit locks the date.
Broadcast or ad loudness questions? Email [email protected] with length and outlet; we may refer specialised post. Studio background: about and FAQ.
If you compare masters at home, level-match before judging tone; loudness bias tricks ears faster than EQ moves. Bring the headphones you use on commute checks if you want a second reality test.
