-16 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 4-8 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering EDM music specifically for Apple Music — based on Apple Music's normalization algorithm and EDM's sonic character.
Apple Music targets -16 LUFS (Sound Check). Mastered for iTunes (now Apple Digital Masters) recommends headroom and 24-bit delivery. Avoid harsh limiting.
Kick: High-pass sub below 30 Hz. Boost 60–80 Hz for kick body, cut 200–300 Hz for punch.
Sub-bass: Mono everything below 80 Hz. Boost 40–60 Hz for sub impact. Tune sub to key.
Synths: Cut 300–500 Hz ('boxiness') from pads. Boost 2–5 kHz for lead synth presence.
Stereo width: Wide stereo at 500 Hz+ for the massive club sound. Keep low-end mono.
Limiting: EDM can push hard — 4–8 LU dynamic range for maximum energy on the dancefloor.
Sidechain: Preserve the kick-sidechain ducking effect — it drives the EDM groove and must survive mastering.
Clip gain: Some EDM mastering engineers clip slightly before the limiter for additional density — use sparingly.
How EDM mastering specs differ across every major streaming platform.
| Platform | Integrated LUFS | True Peak | Current page |
|---|---|---|---|
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
🍎Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | You are here |
▶️YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -16 LUFS, -1 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
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-16 LUFS integrated with true peak -1 dBTP. EDM can be mastered aggressively to this target — 4-8 LU dynamic range is normal for dance music.
Boost 60–80 Hz for kick body and 2–4 kHz for kick click/attack. Use a transient shaper to preserve the attack. Multiband compression keeps the sub-bass controlled while the kick punches through.
No — at -16 LUFS, Apple Music plays every track at the same loudness. A well-mastered EDM track at -16 LUFS with preserved dynamics sounds MORE energetic than an over-limited version at -8 LUFS that gets turned down to the same level.