-11 LUFS · -0.5 dBTP true peak · 12-18 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Jazz music specifically for SoundCloud — based on SoundCloud's normalization algorithm and Jazz's sonic character.
SoundCloud uses aggressive loudness normalization and transcodes to 128kbps MP3. Master slightly louder (-11 to -13 LUFS) and ensure clarity survives MP3 compression.
Natural sound: Minimal EQ. Jazz should sound like microphones in a room, not processed audio.
Low-end: Only apply high-pass below 30 Hz to remove rumble. Keep bass natural and full.
Air: A very subtle 12–16 kHz boost can add studio sparkle without compromising naturalness.
Transparency: Focus on transparent limiting only — any heavy processing kills jazz's authenticity.
Minimal compression: A gentle glue compressor (ratio 1.5:1, slow attack, fast release) is maximum. Jazz must breathe.
High dynamic range: Target 12–18 LU dynamic range. Jazz at -18 LUFS with 18 LU range sounds more 'real' than hard-limited jazz.
Limiter transparency: Use a high-quality linear-phase limiter to avoid coloration. Jazz listeners can hear it.
How Jazz 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 → |
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -11 LUFS, -0.5 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
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-11 LUFS integrated, but jazz benefits from wide dynamic range (12-18 LU). Unlike EDM, jazz should NOT be pushed to the loudness limit. The 'quietness' of well-mastered jazz is part of its character.
Minimal compression only — a gentle 1.5:1 glue compressor at most. Jazz relies on natural dynamics for expression. Killing the dynamics with heavy compression removes the emotional performance nuance.
Jazz on SoundCloud benefits from minimal processing — let the recording's natural dynamics come through at -11 LUFS.