MixMasterAILo-Fi Mastering for Apple Music
-16 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 12-16 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Lo-Fi music specifically for Apple Music — based on Apple Music's normalization algorithm and Lo-Fi's sonic character.
How Apple Music Handles Lo-Fi Audio
Apple Music targets -16 LUFS (Sound Check). Mastered for iTunes (now Apple Digital Masters) recommends headroom and 24-bit delivery. Avoid harsh limiting.
Lo-Fi EQ Profile for Apple Music
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.
Compression & Limiting for Apple Music
Soft limiting: Lo-fi should breathe at -16 to -18 LUFS — do NOT push hard. The quietness IS the aesthetic.
Tape saturation: Apply subtle harmonic saturation to glue the mix. This is character, not correction.
Vinyl simulation: Add subtle wow/flutter effect if your mastering chain supports it.
Lo-Fi LUFS Targets — All Platforms Compared
How Lo-Fi 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 → |
Master your Lo-Fi track for Apple Music automatically.
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -16 LUFS, -1 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
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Lo-Fi Mastering FAQ — Apple Music
What LUFS for lo-fi on Apple Music?
-16 LUFS is the target, but lo-fi typically masters at -16 to -18 LUFS intentionally. Apple Music 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.