Mastering for Bandcamp and Direct Sales: No Normalization, Full Control

Bandcamp does not loudness-normalize like Spotify. Learn how to master for Bandcamp downloads, hi-res FLAC, and direct-to-fan sales without platform gain reduction.

Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, Bandcamp does not apply loudness normalization during playback. Listeners hear your master at the level you deliver — which means hyper-compressed tracks can sound louder than dynamic ones, but also fatiguing on good monitors.

Key takeaways
  • Bandcamp: no automatic LUFS gain reduction — your master level is the playback level
  • Offer 24-bit FLAC/WAV for audiophile buyers; MP3/AAC for convenience tiers
  • Still keep true peak at or below −1 dBTP for lossy encode safety
  • One master can serve Bandcamp and streaming with conservative limiting

How Bandcamp differs from streaming

Streaming platforms normalize to roughly −14 to −16 LUFS integrated. Bandcamp plays files as-is. A −8 LUFS master will sound louder on Bandcamp than a −14 LUFS master — but after normalization on Spotify, the quieter master may actually punch harder. Master for musical balance first; see LUFS Targets Every Platform.

Hi-res and format delivery

Bandcamp supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC. Export a 24-bit WAV master from AI Mastering, upload lossless, and let Bandcamp generate MP3 previews. Use Hi-Res Mastering practices for lossless tiers on Apple Music and Tidal as well.

Master for direct sales

AI Mastering exports 24-bit WAV with true peak safety.

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