What is EBU R128 and why does it matter for radio?

EBU R128 is the loudness standard used for broadcast in Europe, specifying a target integrated loudness of -23 LUFS. Audio that doesn't meet this standard will be normalised by the broadcast system, potentially affecting the frequency balance and dynamic character of the track.

Is a radio master different from a streaming master?

Yes. A streaming master is typically targeted at -14 LUFS; a broadcast master for European radio targets -23 LUFS. They require different processing and should be treated as separate deliverables from the same mix.

Can I get both a streaming and radio master at the same time?

Yes. If you need both, we can deliver them together. Let us know when you enquire and we'll factor that into the quote.

What loudness standard does UAE radio use?

UAE broadcasters typically follow EBU R128 at -23 LUFS for music broadcasting, though specific stations may have their own technical requirements. We'll work to whichever standard your target station specifies.

How do I know if my track is radio-ready?

A radio-ready track meets the loudness spec of the target broadcaster, doesn't exceed true peak limits (typically -1 dBTP), has a frequency balance that translates on broadcast transmission, and passes the technical QC checks of the platform. We verify all of these before delivery.

Do I need to send a different mix for radio mastering?

No — the same stereo mix you'd send for streaming mastering is fine. The preparation and processing at the mastering stage is what differs. Make sure to send with 3dB of headroom and no limiting on the output bus.

Is radio mastering only for music?

No. It's also relevant for radio advertisements, commercial spots, jingles, and any broadcast audio content. If you're producing commercial audio for radio, see our voiceover and commercial services as well.

Radio-Ready Mastering in Dubai | Mixing & Mastering

What Makes a Master Radio-Ready

Radio broadcast has specific loudness and technical requirements that differ from streaming platforms. A streaming master optimised for -14 LUFS will be normalised up significantly when broadcast, and if it hasn't been prepared for that context, the frequency balance and dynamic range can suffer. A radio-ready master is engineered specifically for broadcast: it meets loudness targets (EBU R128 at -23 LUFS for European broadcast, or ATSC A/85 for US broadcast), has a frequency response that translates well on AM and FM signals, and passes the technical quality control checks that broadcast platforms require before air.

The requirements vary depending on the country, the station, and the format — regional radio in the UAE has its own specs, and international broadcast channels have different ones. We work to the specific standard you're targeting.

Radio vs Streaming Masters

It's common to need two separate masters from the same mix — one for streaming platforms and one for radio. They're not the same file. A streaming master would be penalised by radio broadcast normalisation, and a broadcast master would sound too quiet on streaming platforms. If you need both, we can deliver them together at a reduced combined cost.

Also used for: Broadcast commercial audio, radio advertisements, station jingles, and any audio content intended for air rather than digital streaming.

What You Get

Broadcast-compliant master — meeting the specific loudness standard you require
Frequency-shaped for broadcast — adjusted for AM/FM transmission characteristics
Technical QC — checked for compliance before delivery
Custom quote — pricing based on track length and complexity

Pricing

Radio-ready mastering is priced on a custom basis. The standard mastering service is AED 400 per track for streaming delivery. Broadcast mastering requires additional consideration for loudness standards and format specs. Message us with your track and target broadcast standard for a quote.

Radio-Ready Mastering in Dubai

What Makes a Master Radio-Ready

Radio vs Streaming Masters

What You Get

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Track Ready for Radio