Export Settings for Different Platforms

Introduction to Export Settings

When preparing your synthwave music for various platforms, selecting the right export settings is essential for ensuring that your tracks sound great in any listening environment. Different platforms may have unique requirements regarding file formats, sample rates, and bit depths. This chapter will discuss the best practices for export settings tailored to specific streaming services, digital downloads, and physical mediums such as vinyl or cassette.

1. General Export Guidelines

High-Quality Bounces

  • File Types: Always export your final mix in a high-quality, uncompressed format such as WAV or AIFF. These formats retain all audio information, allowing for effective mastering and optimal sound presentation.
  • Bit Depth and Sample Rate: Export at 24-bit depth and 44.1 kHz sample rate for the best quality. If your project was recorded at a higher sample rate (like 48 kHz or 96 kHz), consider exporting at that rate to capture the essence of your mix.

2. Exporting for Streaming Platforms

Spotify

  • Recommended Loudness: Aim for an integrated loudness level of around -14 LUFS.
  • Peak Levels: Set the true peak level to -1 dB to avoid clipping during streaming playback.
  • File Format: Export as a WAV file (24-bit/44.1 kHz) for mastering, but deliver a 16-bit version for reference.

Apple Music

  • Recommended Loudness: Similar to Spotify, target around -16 LUFS for optimal loudness without clipping.
  • Peak Levels: Maintain a true peak level of -1 dB.
  • File Format: Export as WAV or AIFF (24-bit/44.1 kHz) for the best quality.

Tidal

  • Recommended Loudness: Target a loudness level of -14 LUFS, which is more flexible due to Tidal’s higher resolution audio options.
  • Peak Levels: Ensure that peaks remain below -1 dB.
  • File Format: Use high-quality WAV or AIFF files (24-bit/96 kHz) if applicable, as Tidal supports high-resolution audio.

YouTube Music & SoundCloud

  • Recommended Loudness: For YouTube Music, aim around -14 LUFS; for SoundCloud, ao-10 LUFS or similar is often acceptable.
  • Peak Levels: Keep the true peak level at around -1 dB.
  • File Format: Deliver as WAV (24-bit/44.1 kHz) or AIFF for streaming.

3. Exporting for Digital Downloads

Considerations for Digital Sales

  • Loudness Considerations: When preparing your tracks for sale on platforms such as Bandcamp, aim for a loudness between -14 to -10 LUFS, balancing quality with competitive levels.
  • File Formats: Provide multiple formats for purchase (e.g., WAV, FLAC, and MP3) at different bitrates (e.g., 320 kbps for MP3) to satisfy various listener preferences.

4. Exporting for Vinyl and Cassette

Special Considerations

  • Targeting Vinyl: For vinyl releases, ensure that you are mindful of the unique characteristics required:

    • Keep the overall dynamic range in mind with peaks not exceeding -3 dB to prevent distortion during cuts.
    • Apply hi-pass filtering to reduce low-end rumble below 30 Hz and smooth boosting of low frequencies (around 60 Hz - 100 Hz) for warmth.
    • File Format: Use WAV (24-bit) for masters intended for vinyl cutting.

  • Targeting Cassette: When preparing for cassette:

    • Dynamic Range: Similar recommendations apply, but keep in mind that cassettes typically have a lower fidelity than vinyl. Control the levels and avoid excessive highs.
    • Preserve Warmth: Ensure the overall mix doesn't overemphasize high frequencies to avoid a harsh listening experience.
    • File Format: Export as WAV (24-bit) for mastering cassettes, focusing on maintaining quality.

5. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Before Finalizing Your Exports

  • Quality Checks: Before exporting, playback the final mix to check for any last-minute adjustments needed in EQ, dynamics, or panning.
  • File Integrity Tests: After exporting, play back your files in different formats (WAV, MP3, etc.) to ensure they maintain quality across conversions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right export settings for different platforms is vital to ensuring your synthwave music reaches its audience in the best possible quality. By aligning with the loudness standards and file format requirements of various streaming services, digital downloads, and physical media, you can ensure a professional presentation of your music. In the final chapter, we will summarize key mixing and mastering techniques you've learned throughout this guide, helping you consolidate your knowledge and prepare for your future synthwave productions.

Now that you’ve learned about the best export settings for different platforms, let’s move on to a summary of the key techniques and practices for mixing and mastering synthwave music!