MixMasterAIHip-Hop Mastering for SoundCloud
-11 LUFS · -0.5 dBTP true peak · 7-10 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Hip-Hop music specifically for SoundCloud — based on SoundCloud's normalization algorithm and Hip-Hop's sonic character.
How SoundCloud Handles Hip-Hop Audio
SoundCloud uses aggressive loudness normalization and transcodes to 128kbps MP3. Master slightly louder (-11 to -13 LUFS) and ensure clarity survives MP3 compression.
Hip-Hop EQ Profile for SoundCloud
Low-end: Tight high-pass at 30–40 Hz to remove rumble. Keep 60–80 Hz full for kick body.
Mid-low: Small 2–3 dB cut at 250–350 Hz to reduce muddiness and let the 808 breathe.
Presence: Boost 2–4 kHz by 1–2 dB for vocal intelligibility on phone speakers.
High-end: Gentle 8 kHz shelf boost (+1 dB) for air without harshness.
Compression & Limiting for SoundCloud
Master bus: Gentle 2–3 dB of glue compression (ratio 2:1, slow attack 30ms, fast release).
Limiting: Brick-wall at -1 dBTP. Push integrated LUFS to target — hip-hop can tolerate moderate limiting.
SoundCloud transcodes to 128kbps — use Ozone's codec preview to ensure 808 survives.
Hip-Hop LUFS Targets — All Platforms Compared
How Hip-Hop 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 → |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
☁️SoundCloud | -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | You are here |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
Master your Hip-Hop track for SoundCloud automatically.
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -11 LUFS, -0.5 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
No signup · WAV + MP3
Hip-Hop Mastering FAQ — SoundCloud
What LUFS should hip-hop be mastered to for SoundCloud?
Master hip-hop to -11 LUFS integrated for SoundCloud, with a true peak of -0.5 dBTP. SoundCloud uses aggressive loudness normalization and transcodes to 128kbps MP3. Master slightly louder (-11 to -13 LUFS) and ensure clarity survives MP3 compression.
How do I get the 808 to punch through on SoundCloud?
Keep 60–80 Hz full for 808 body, cut 250–350 Hz to reduce muddiness, and sidechain compress the kick and 808 together. On SoundCloud, the full-range playback will reproduce sub-bass if your master is clean.
Should I master hip-hop loud or dynamic?
For SoundCloud, target -11 LUFS. Going louder gets turned down automatically and only removes dynamics. Aim for 7–10 LU dynamic range for a punchy, competitive master.