CD Mastering vs Streaming: Loudness, Peak, and Format Differences

CD mastering vs streaming: higher peak levels, Red Book standards, and why streaming masters need conservative true peak.

CD mastering historically targeted higher peak levels and 16-bit Red Book delivery. Streaming mastering prioritizes conservative true peak, integrated LUFS appropriate to the platform, and lossless upload for aggregator encoding.

Key takeaways
  • CD: often 16-bit with dither; peaks closer to 0 dBFS historically
  • Streaming: -1 dBTP or lower; let platforms normalize LUFS
  • One master can serve both with careful limiting
  • See Streaming Mastering Guide

Online delivery

Master once with AI Mastering, export 24-bit WAV for streaming, dither to 16-bit only for CD — Dithering Guide.

Master for release

Choose Streaming or Modern Loud style.

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