Mixing Music | Music Production, Audio Engineering, & Music Business Exclusive Archive | Where Do LUFS Matter?
Dec 18, 2025
Dive into the dynamic world of loudness with insights from mastering engineer Will Borza. Discover why chasing a single LUFS target can be misleading and how genre influences loudness decisions. Hear Dee Kei's take on loudness as an aesthetic choice that impacts emotional resonance. They also discuss the importance of trusting streaming normalization to maintain the true essence of your mix. Plus, fascinating anecdotes reveal the pitfalls of misguided loudness choices, making for an engaging listen!
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Master To Sound, Not A Number
- Master songs to what sounds best, not to a fixed LUFS target.
- Let streaming services normalize to their current LUFS standard afterward.
Normalization Targets Shift Over Time
- Streaming platforms change normalization targets over time so fixed targets shift.
- Trust platforms to normalize playback but design your mix for its intended emotional impact.
Rely On Platforms For Level Matching
- Trust streaming services to level playback so you can prioritize mix character.
- Focus on songwriting, arrangement, and mixing to create perceived loudness and quality.