MixMasterAI logoMixMasterAI
Lo-Fi Mastering Hub

Lo-Fi Mastering Guide

Intentional warmth, vinyl crackle, -16 to -18 LUFS

CA
Reviewed by Collins Asein · April 2026

Exact LUFS targets, EQ profiles, and compression settings for mastering Lo-Fi music on every major streaming platform — from Spotify and Apple Music to Beatport and Audiomack.

12 platform guides · 6 AI source fixers

Lo-Fi LUFS Targets — All Platforms

PlatformLUFS TargetTrue PeakDynamic RangeFull Guide
🟢Spotify
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🍎Apple Music
-16 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
▶️YouTube
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🌊Tidal
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
☁️SoundCloud
-11 LUFS-0.5 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🎵TikTok
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🎧Audiomack
-13 LUFS-0.5 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🎛️Beatport
-9 LUFS-0.3 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🎨Bandcamp
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
📸Instagram / Reels
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
📦Amazon Music
-14 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →
🎶Deezer
-15 LUFS-1 dBTP12-16 LUFull spec →

Lo-Fi EQ Profile Overview

Core EQ principles for Lo-Fi mastering. Platform-specific adjustments are in each guide below.

EQ 01

Lo-fi character: Apply gentle vinyl crackle or tape saturation BEFORE the master limiter.

EQ 02

Warmth: Boost 80–200 Hz for vintage warmth. Roll off aggressively above 12 kHz for the 'old record' effect.

EQ 03

Low-end: Tight high-pass at 50 Hz. Lo-fi doesn't need sub-bass — keep it simple.

EQ 04

No brightness: Do NOT boost high frequencies. Lo-fi intentionally lacks 'air' — brightness destroys the aesthetic.

Lo-Fi Mastering — Platform Guides

Lo-Fi Mastering FAQ

What LUFS for lo-fi on Spotify?

-14 LUFS is the target, but lo-fi typically masters at -16 to -18 LUFS intentionally. Spotify will not boost it — the quietness is part of the aesthetic and listeners expect it.

Should I remove the vinyl crackle before mastering?

No — vinyl crackle and tape hiss are intentional lo-fi elements. Apply them before mastering so they're baked into the final file. The master limiter then treats them as part of the signal, preserving the authentic texture.

How do I keep lo-fi warm without making it muddy?

Boost 100–200 Hz for warmth, but apply a tight high-pass at 50 Hz to remove rumble. Cut 300–400 Hz by 2–3 dB to reduce muddiness if needed. The warmth should come from midrange saturation, not low-frequency buildup.

Skip the settings

Master your Lo-Fi track automatically.

MixMasterAI applies the exact LUFS, EQ, and compression for Lo-Fi in 60 seconds. Free, no sign-up required.

Master Free Now

No signup · WAV + MP3

Other Genre Mastering Guides

Master your track free