-14 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 8-12 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering R&B / Soul music specifically for YouTube — based on YouTube's normalization algorithm and R&B / Soul's sonic character.
YouTube normalizes to -14 LUFS integrated. Unlike streaming, video loudness also depends on the visual content. Prioritize clarity over maximum loudness.
Vocal warmth: Gentle boost at 200–300 Hz for chest voice warmth. Avoid cutting this range.
Low-end: Tight high-pass at 35–40 Hz. Keep 80–100 Hz full for bass guitar warmth.
Presence: Gentle 3–5 kHz boost for vocal intelligibility without harshness.
Air: Subtle 10–12 kHz boost for modern R&B sheen without compromising warmth.
Gentle glue: Very light master bus compression (ratio 1.5:1 to 2:1). R&B needs natural dynamics.
Smooth limiting: Use lookahead limiting (5–10ms) to avoid transient clipping. Preserve vocal peaks.
Low-mid management: If 250–400 Hz is muddy, apply gentle surgical reduction to clarify the vocal.
How R&B / Soul 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 | You are here |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | View guide → | |
| -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | View guide → |
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -14 LUFS, -1 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
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-14 LUFS integrated. R&B benefits from being slightly less compressed than EDM — a 10-14 LU dynamic range gives the vocals and instruments natural breathing room.
Boost 200–300 Hz gently rather than cutting. Avoid aggressive mid-cut EQ that removes chest voice character. Use gentle multiband compression in the vocal range to control peaks without squashing dynamics.
Yes. YouTube's audio quality handles R&B well. Focus on clean low-mids and vocal presence.