-14 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 8-12 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Country music specifically for Tidal — based on Tidal's normalization algorithm and Country's sonic character.
Tidal targets -14 LUFS but also offers HiFi lossless and MQA formats. Use 24-bit WAV masters for best quality. Hi-Res Tidal listeners will hear every detail.
Acoustic clarity: Boost 5–8 kHz for acoustic guitar pick attack and string definition.
Vocal focus: Boost 2–4 kHz for lead vocal presence. Country vocals must be the loudest element.
Low-end: Natural and controlled. High-pass at 40 Hz. Keep 80–100 Hz for bass guitar warmth.
Natural sound: Avoid over-brightening — country should sound like a recording, not a processed master.
Light-handed mastering: Country needs natural dynamics (10-14 LU). Heavy compression kills the organic feel.
Vocal de-essing: Country vocals close-mic'd often have sibilance. Address before final limiting.
Reference tracks: A/B against current Nashville masters — they're loud but retain acoustic transients.
How Country mastering specs differ across every major streaming platform.
| Platform | Integrated LUFS | True Peak | Current page |
|---|---|---|---|
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
▶️YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
🌊Tidal | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | You are here |
| -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -14 LUFS, -1 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
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-14 LUFS integrated. Country benefits from a wider dynamic range (10-14 LU) to preserve the acoustic and organic character. Hard limiting removes the natural feel.
Boost 5–8 kHz for pick attack and string definition. A gentle air boost at 12–16 kHz adds shimmer. Keep the 200–400 Hz range clean to avoid muddiness from the guitar body resonance.
Country translates very well on Tidal — focus on vocal clarity and acoustic definition at -14 LUFS.