What loudness means in practice
Loudness is how loud a song feels on average, not only the peak moment. Streaming services measure with models such as LUFS. Push everything to the ceiling and the service turns you down — you lose impact without gaining placement.
Our mastering targets consistent experience across EP sequences and on phone, laptop and monitors. That aligns with €70 per song or €265 for a short EP.
Targets we work toward
For consumer streaming we usually aim around −14 LUFS integrated, with genre leeway: jazz and acoustic breathe lower, EDM can sit tighter. True peak stays under −1 dBTP to reduce intersample clipping after AAC/Ogg encoders.
These are working points, not laws; your reference matters. Tell us via contact if you want a warmer, more dynamic profile for later vinyl or cinematic ballads. We can deliver a «streaming» and a «dynamic» version when you need both for the same release cycle.
Different from your mix bounce
Send a stereo mix with headroom — no limiter glued at −0.1 dB. Prefer −4 to −6 dB peak on the bus so we can apply EQ, colour and multiband. Match mix project sample rate; we deliver masters commonly at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz when needed.
From Mixing at Oaklandledger, we know how the mix was built. External mixes: note peak and rough RMS in NOTES. Delivering stems is for stem mastering only when agreed separately.
Platform behaviour
Spotify normalises for «Loud» and «Quiet» settings; overly hot masters play softer after normalisation. Major services behave similarly. Bandcamp or direct download can carry slightly more weight, but we often deliver one master that works everywhere plus alternates on request.
Most Dutch listeners use phones and wireless earbuds; we check small speakers after main monitors. No promise to «beat competitor X on the meter» — yes to controlled, repeatable levels.
Formats you receive
- 24-bit WAV for archive and distributor upload.
- Optional AAC/MP3 preview for quick approval.
- DDP or CD-length masters by arrangement for physical runs.
ISRC and metadata sit with your distributor; we can report measured peak/LUFS on request. Keep local backups after download — our archive runs 12 months.
Revisions and sequencing
Mastering usually has fewer revision rounds than mix; small level or EQ tweaks fit within 2 where applicable. EPs are sequenced so gaps and loudness match — submit all titles together for €265.
One remixed song often means re-sequencing the EP — budget that in your band budget.
Common myths
«Louder = better for playlists.» Editorial picks are musical, not meter-driven.
«YouTube equals Spotify.» Video platforms use their own normalisation; we spot-check if that is your main outlet.
«A preset masters my mix.» Presets do not know your balance; we listen per song on a calibrated chain in our 20 m² room.
Getting started
Send your mix via contact with genre, references and target release date. After quote acceptance (30% deposit) we schedule the session. Copyright or portrait rights sit outside mastering — see disclaimer and legal notice.
Combine with tracking? Start with Vocal recording, Band recording or read the FAQ. Oaklandledger is at Bilderdijkstraat 165, 1053 KV Amsterdam — Tram 3 and 12 stop Bilderdijkstraat (2 minutes' walk). Bus 15 stop Bilderdijkstraat. From Amsterdam Centraal about 15 minutes on tram 3 towards Muiderpoortstation..
