Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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In this video I’m going to show you how to find the perfect loudness level for your electronic, dance, EDM or bass music song. There is a perfect loudness level for each song, where it will sound the biggest, the fullest, and the most aggressive, regardless of how loud it’s played back in sound pressure level. There is a sweet spot and we’re going to find it.
Mastering Sessions Playlist: youtube.com/watch?v=mLvnRRpQsN8&list=PLsyXZjufQdPx4ITTwPhU6Bf_uxqXNHsxj&pp=gAQBiAQB
Our Full Mixing & Mastering Playlist ➤ youtube.com/watch?v=-zGVc8IF-gw&list=PLsyXZjufQdPzK5ndIgFQiCWIDICCKPaj4&pp=gAQBiAQB

Big Ups to the artist Liam Shy / Ritual X for allowing me to use his song, Dial Tone
Insta: @ritualx_dnb
SC: soundcloud.com/followritualx
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6E5bq6vsJiLD9Z0hLX8XNT?si=Vqw6W98gQquAB4ViBDcT0Q

Every song is different. I can only give you generalities here and walk you through this example.
The production must support your engineering decisions.

Signs of Garbage Loudness - How to Identify an Overcooked Master

Distortion: Especially on formerly clean sounds like sub-bass, vocals, pads. Distortion in the quiet parts.
-Distortion in the side channel where all the delicate reverbs
-IMD (intermodulation distortion)
Dull, Flabby Drums
-Loss of snap on transients, reduced impact
-Drum bodies are inflated and blown out - close to the transient in level
Loss of General Punch in the Mix
-Crest factor drops / PSR drops
Loss of Width & Depth
-Limiter distortion on the side channel will affect reverbs and make the song sound less 3D.
-There’s less separation in the depth staging.
Tonal Balance Changes
-Loss of bass weight
-High frequency harshness (due to limiter harmonics, IMD and aliasing)
Loss of Bass Focus & Definition
-Is there pulsation and groove in the low end?
-Listen with a lowpass filter on
The Master Sounds Thin, Small and Weak
-Fatiguing and “samey” between sections

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