MixMasterAIRock Mastering for Apple Music
-16 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 8-12 LU dynamic range
The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Rock music specifically for Apple Music — based on Apple Music's normalization algorithm and Rock's sonic character.
How Apple Music Handles Rock Audio
Apple Music targets -16 LUFS (Sound Check). Mastered for iTunes (now Apple Digital Masters) recommends headroom and 24-bit delivery. Avoid harsh limiting.
Rock EQ Profile for Apple Music
Guitar presence: Boost 2–5 kHz for electric guitar attack and cut through the mix.
Drum punch: Boost 60–80 Hz for kick drum thump, 200 Hz for snare body, 10 kHz for cymbal air.
Low-mid cut: Cut 250–400 Hz to reduce boxy resonance from guitar cabinets and drums.
Stereo balance: Check mono compatibility — guitar panning should collapse well for phone speakers.
Compression & Limiting for Apple Music
Character compression: Rock tolerates moderate-heavy compression for energy and attitude. 4:1 ratio, medium attack.
Brick-wall limiting: Rock hits hard at target LUFS. 7-10 LU dynamic range is competitive.
Transient preservation: Keep snare and kick attack sharp — use a limiter with good transient response.
Rock LUFS Targets — All Platforms Compared
How Rock 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 Rock track for Apple Music automatically.
MixMasterAI applies exactly these settings — -16 LUFS, -1 dBTP, genre-optimized EQ — in 60 seconds. Free.
No signup · WAV + MP3
Rock Mastering FAQ — Apple Music
What LUFS for rock on Apple Music?
-16 LUFS integrated, true peak -1 dBTP. Rock is typically mastered at 7–10 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 2–5 kHz on the master bus. Also check that guitar and vocals are occupying slightly different frequency slots — cut 1–3 kHz slightly on guitars if they conflict with lead vocals.
Will rock dynamics survive Apple Music's normalization?
Yes. Apple Music's normalization at -16 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.