MEASURE, COMPARE, LISTEN
Mastering references and loudness guides
Practical settings, worked examples and sources. Numbers do not replace listening.
Spotify loudness: targets and true peak
Understand Normal -14, Loud -11 and Quiet -19 LUFS, peak-limited gain and playback exceptions.
Electronic music mastering
Keep bass deliberate and transients readable. Compare the real electronic reference with your own mix.
Acoustic music mastering
Keep pick attacks, breath and room tails in view. Try the actual acoustic reference before deciding.