Rock Mastering Guide
Exact LUFS targets, EQ profiles, and compression settings for mastering Rock music on every major streaming platform. From Spotify and Apple Music to Beatport and Audiomack.
Rock LUFS Targets on Every Platform
| Platform | LUFS Target | True Peak | Dynamic Range | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🟢Spotify | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🍎Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
▶️YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🌊Tidal | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
☁️SoundCloud | -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🎵TikTok | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🎧Audiomack | -13 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🎛️Beatport | -9 LUFS | -0.3 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🎨Bandcamp | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
📸Instagram / Reels | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
📦Amazon Music | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | |
🎶Deezer | -15 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU |
Rock EQ Profile Overview
Guitar presence: Boost 2 to 5 kHz for electric guitar attack and cut through the mix.
Drum punch: Boost 60 to 80 Hz for kick drum thump, 200 Hz for snare body, 10 kHz for cymbal air.
Low-mid cut: Cut 250 to 400 Hz to reduce boxy resonance from guitar cabinets and drums.
Stereo balance: Check mono compatibility. Guitar panning should collapse well for phone speakers.
Rock Mastering FAQ
What LUFS for rock on Spotify?
-14 LUFS integrated, true peak -1 dBTP. Rock is typically mastered at 7 to 10 LU dynamic range. Loud enough to compete but retaining the energy and transient punch that defines the genre.
How do I get guitars to cut through in the master?
Boost 2 to 5 kHz on the master bus. Also check that guitar and vocals are occupying slightly different frequency slots. Cut 1 to 3 kHz slightly on guitars if they conflict with lead vocals.
Will rock dynamics survive Spotify's normalization?
Yes. Spotify's normalization at -14 LUFS levels the playback volume, not the dynamics. A 7-10 LU dynamic range rock master will retain its peaks and energy at normalized playback.