Why Your Mix Sounds Bad on SoundCloud
SoundCloud uses aggressive audio compression to save bandwidth. If you upload a track that's already pushed to 0dB, their system will crush it, resulting in distortion and a loss of dynamics. The key is to master *for the platform*.
The Magic Number: -14 LUFS
Aim for an integrated loudness of around -14 LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale). This gives SoundCloud's encoder enough headroom to process your audio without unwanted distortion.
Setting Your True Peak
Keep your true peak at a maximum of -1.0 dBTP. This prevents inter-sample peaks that can occur during the transcoding process, which also cause distortion.
By following these simple guidelines, you ensure your music sounds as crisp, clear, and professional on SoundCloud as it does in your DAW.