Lo-Fi Mastering Guide
Intentional warmth, vinyl crackle, -16 to -18 LUFS
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.
Lo-Fi LUFS Targets. All Platforms
| Platform | LUFS Target | True Peak | Dynamic Range | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🟢Spotify | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🍎Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
▶️YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🌊Tidal | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
☁️SoundCloud | -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🎵TikTok | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🎧Audiomack | -13 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🎛️Beatport | -9 LUFS | -0.3 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🎨Bandcamp | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
📸Instagram / Reels | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
📦Amazon Music | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
🎶Deezer | -15 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 12-16 LU | Full spec → |
Lo-Fi EQ Profile Overview
Core EQ principles for Lo-Fi mastering. Platform-specific adjustments are in each guide below.
Lo-fi character: Apply gentle vinyl crackle or tape saturation BEFORE the master limiter.
Warmth: Boost 80–200 Hz for vintage warmth. Roll off aggressively above 12 kHz for the 'old record' effect.
Low-end: Tight high-pass at 50 Hz. Lo-fi doesn't need sub-bass. Keep it simple.
No brightness: Do NOT boost high frequencies. Lo-fi intentionally lacks 'air'. Brightness destroys the aesthetic.
Lo-Fi AI Track Fixers
Generated your Lo-Fi track with Suno, Udio, or another AI? Fix the specific artifacts.
Fix 5 common artifacts
Fix 5 common artifacts
Fix 5 common artifacts
Fix 5 common artifacts
Fix 5 common artifacts
Fix 5 common artifacts
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.
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