Why louder is not automatically better
LUFS describes average perceived loudness across a track, not just the top of the peak meter. Spotify, Apple Music and others apply gain so listeners are not constantly riding volume. A mix already crushed to -6 LUFS often sounds smaller online than a more dynamic mix near common release targets.
At Obligerpath we master for download, streaming and vinyl-ready workflows when needed. Per track: €78; EP up to six songs €265. Attended stem master (two hours): €145.
Integrated, short-term and momentary
Integrated (album) LUFS is the whole-song number most normalization uses. Short-term uses a shorter window — useful to compare choruses without letting a quiet intro dominate the readout. Momentary is shorter still; it shows if a single hit is abnormally hot.
You do not need to buy a meter to start; just avoid a mix-bus limiter that pins everything just under 0 dBFS. Send headroom; we set the final ceiling in mastering.
Streaming targets (2026)
| Context | Typical aim |
|---|---|
| Pop/rock streaming | About -14 LUFS integrated, true peak near -1 dBTP |
| Dynamic genres | Often lower integrated; preserve transients |
| Podcast / speech | Even speech matters more than music loudness; see podcast budget |
Official specs live with each provider; tell us your distributor via contact so we align masters.
True peak and clipping
True peak (dBTP) catches intersample peaks that can clip after lossy encoding. We leave margin below 0 dBFS — often around -1 dBTP for streaming, tighter when you supply broadcast rules.
If the mix already clips digitally, mastering is not a repair tool — return to mixing or re-export with lower bus levels. 2 revision rounds apply within agreed mastering scope per our terms.
What to deliver
Stereo mix files, 24 bit WAV at project sample rate, no dither on the mix print. State intended platform, clean/explicit versions if relevant, and album order for gain matching. Reference masters are welcome if you note what to borrow and what to avoid.
We retain files 12 months per our privacy policy.
Attended stem master
For complex releases we offer a two-hour attended session at the mastering desk — €145. You hear changes in real time; useful when balancing vinyl and streaming versions. Book via contact; 30% deposit holds the slot.
Address Overtoom 141; hours Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 11–18 on weekdays. We are at Overtoom 141, a short walk from the Overtoom stop (GVB tram 1 and 7). From Amsterdam Centraal, allow about twenty minutes on tram 1 towards Osdorp. There is on-street paid parking and bicycle racks; the entrance is at street level beside the large front windows.
After delivery: formats and QC
You typically receive WAV masters plus AAC/MP3 previews on request — not a substitute for lossless distribution. Check on headphones and speakers; scan for clicks at edges and silence before the downbeat. Peak questions? Email [email protected] with timecode.
Mix not finished? See delivering stems or book Mixing. Re-cut vocals in our 14 m² booth via Vocal recording.
