Mastering and loudness

Where it is

The Mastering page (Alt+4)

What you can do

• The Mastering page shows the whole mix as it will be exported, with track and master effects.
• Analyse mix measures integrated loudness (LUFS), loudness range and true peak.
• The mastering chain adds Corrective EQ, Multiband dynamics, Stereo width, Saturation and a Limiter in the order a master usually runs. Any installed effect can go on the master bus.
• Before and after compares the mix without the master effects, level-matched, so louder doesn't fool you.
• Target presets set format and level for where it's going: Podcast (−16 LUFS), Streaming (−14), Apple Music (−16), Broadcast EBU R128 (−23) and ATSC A/85 (−24), CD, Archive.
• Set loudness reaches the target with one overall level change, below the true-peak ceiling. The monitor level changes only what you hear.

In this film

1. 0:03The Mastering pageThe whole mix, as it will be exported · Alt+4
2. 0:05Analyse mixIntegrated loudness, loudness range and true peak
3. 0:10A mastering chainEQ, dynamics, width, saturation and a limiter, in the order a master usually runs
4. 0:13Before and afterCompare the mix without the master effects, level-matched
5. 0:15Where it's goingPodcast −16 · Streaming −14 · Broadcast −23 LUFS · CD · Archive
6. 0:21Set loudnessOne overall level change to the target, below the true-peak ceiling