Drill Mastering Guide

Exact LUFS targets, EQ profiles, and compression settings for mastering Drill music on every major streaming platform. From Spotify and Apple Music to Beatport and Audiomack.

Drill LUFS Targets on Every Platform

PlatformLUFS TargetTrue PeakDynamic RangeFull Guide
🟢Spotify
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🍎Apple Music
-16 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
▶️YouTube
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🌊Tidal
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
☁️SoundCloud
-11 LUFS-0.5 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🎵TikTok
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🎧Audiomack
-13 LUFS-0.5 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🎛️Beatport
-9 LUFS-0.3 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🎨Bandcamp
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
📸Instagram / Reels
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
📦Amazon Music
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →
🎶Deezer
-15 LUFS-1 dBTP6-10 LUFull spec →

Drill EQ Profile Overview

EQ 01

Sustained 808: Drill's 808 slides longer than trap. Boost 40 to 60 Hz for sub presence and 100 to 150 Hz for body. Ensure the slide is audible throughout.

EQ 02

Dark vocal tone: Drill vocals sit lower and darker than trap. Boost 2 to 3 kHz for presence but avoid over-brightening. The dark tone is part of the aesthetic.

EQ 03

Rolling hi-hats: Hi-hats at 8 to 12 kHz define the drill groove. Boost gently for presence but keep controlled. They should be crisp, not harsh.

EQ 04

Wide stereo hi-hats: Gentle stereo widening at 8 kHz+ gives the rolling hi-hats space in the mix while keeping the 808 mono.

Drill Mastering. Platform Guides

Drill Mastering FAQ

What LUFS for drill on Spotify?

Target -14 LUFS integrated on Spotify. Drill benefits from a 5 to 8 LU dynamic range. Heavy enough to feel impactful but with enough range for the 808 slide to have movement.

How do I keep the 808 slide defined in drill mastering?

The sustained 808 slide accumulates sub-energy as it plays. Use multiband compression in the 40 to 100 Hz range to control buildup without cutting the sub presence. Tune the 808 to the key of the track to ensure it harmonizes with the sample loop.

Does the drill sample loop translate cleanly on Spotify?

Yes. Drill's sample-based production translates well on Spotify. The master bus glue compression ensures the loop and 808 feel unified at -14 LUFS.

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