Why does this tool use two-pass loudness normalization?

Two-pass normalization measures the entire audio stream first, applying a single linear gain stage so your track hits the LUFS target without the unnatural pumping of single-pass limiters.

How does true-peak limiting protect my audio?

True-peak limiting catches inter-sample peaks that standard digital meters miss, preventing distortion when streaming services transcode your track to lossy formats.

Which loudness target should I choose for Spotify and YouTube?

Select the Streaming target (-14 LUFS), which matches the standard playback normalization level used by Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

Can I widen the stereo image without causing phase cancellation?

Yes, sub-rumble filtering cleans up low frequencies before widening, ensuring that bass energy stays centered while high and mid frequencies spread cleanly.

What audio output format is best for final release?

Choose WAV or FLAC for lossless delivery to distributors and aggregators, or MP3 for fast previewing and direct client listening.

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Mastering Chain Pro

Run a full music mastering chain on one track: sub-rumble high-pass, corrective EQ, glue compression, character EQ, saturation, stereo widening, true-peak limiter, and two-pass linear loudness normalization to 2026 platform targets.

Details

What this tool helps you do

A transparent, preset-driven mastering chain in the order mastering engineers use: high-pass → corrective EQ → glue compression → tonal EQ → saturation → stereo width → limiter → loudness. Loudness normalization is true two-pass: pass 1 measures the chain output (integrated LUFS, true peak, LRA, gate threshold, offset), pass 2 applies one linear gain to the target so dynamics survive — single-pass loudnorm pumps and is avoided. Targets follow the 2026 platform floors: Spotify/YouTube/Amazon -14 LUFS, Apple Sound Check -16, hip-hop/club genre floor -8, acoustic -16 with -2 dBTP headroom and a 20 LU loudness range. True-peak ceiling is enforced twice (limiter + loudnorm TP) because lossy codecs create inter-sample peaks above 0 dBFS. Before/after loudness is measured with EBU R128 and reported with the applied gain. The limiter runs with auto-level disabled so it only catches peaks; level is set by the loudness stage alone.

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Mastering Chain Pro

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Examples

1. Commercial Streaming Master for an Indie Mix

2. High-Energy Club Master with Analog Warmth

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