Integrated Loudness -14 LUFS
True Peak Max -1 dBTP

About this Target

SoundCloud recommends -14 LUFS Integrated and below -1 dBTP; this is playback guidance, not an upload acceptance band.

SoundCloud applies loudness normalization during playback and recommends mastering to -14 LUFS Integrated with peaks below -1 dBTP. For masters louder than -14 LUFS, its guidance recommends keeping peaks below -2 dBTP to reduce distortion during transcoding. The uploaded source remains a creative master, so this reference does not require every upload to be normalized to exactly -14 LUFS.

Reference type: Official playback guidance

Guide: Loudness Leveler

Load the Mastering - SoundCloud Reference (Stereo) preset from the Purpose category. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn over the complete program to lock the final correction.

Adjust Target Tolerance for the amount of movement you want around -14 LUFS, then use the built-in limiter for the -1 dBTP ceiling.

APU Loudness Leveler showing SoundCloud target at -14 LUFS
Fig 1. Real-time SoundCloud target tracking using APU Loudness Leveler.

Guide: Loudness Compressor

Workflow:
1. Load the Mastering - SoundCloud Reference (Stereo) preset from the Purpose category.
2. To have the compression range follow your material, use Source Range Learn while playing the complete program.
3. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn in the Limiter tab over the complete program.

APU Loudness Compressor showing SoundCloud target at -14 LUFS
Fig 2. Real-time SoundCloud LUFS targeting using APU Loudness Compressor.
APU Loudness Compressor showing SoundCloud target at -1 dBTP
Fig 3. Real-time SoundCloud dBTP targeting using APU Loudness Compressor.

Guide: Loudness Limiter

Load the Mastering - SoundCloud Reference Ceiling (Stereo) preset from the Purpose category. It configures both ceilings. After the other settings are final, run Compensation Learn over the complete program.

APU Loudness Limiter showing SoundCloud target at -14 LUFS
Fig 4. Real-time SoundCloud LUFS and dBTP targeting using APU Loudness Limiter.

Guide: Dynamics Optimizer

Load the Mastering - SoundCloud Reference (Stereo) preset from the Purpose category, open the complete file, then analyze and optimize it. Review the result, then measure the exported file before delivery.

APU Dynamics Optimizer showing SoundCloud target at -14 LUFS
Fig 5. Offline SoundCloud LUFS and dBTP targeting using APU Dynamics Optimizer.

Metering for SoundCloud

Measure Integrated LUFS over the complete upload and linked Maximum True Peak across the stereo output. Retain additional peak headroom when choosing a louder master because SoundCloud transcodes uploads for playback.

Load the QC - SoundCloud Reference (Stereo) preset from the Purpose category. It configures the target range, True Peak threshold, Short-term history, and Integrated output for this reference.

APU Loudness Meter showing SoundCloud target at -14 LUFS
Fig 6. Real-time metering of the SoundCloud reference using APU Loudness Meter.

Sources

Platform behavior and delivery requirements can change. Check the linked source and the destination's current specification before final delivery.