Classical Mastering Online — Maximum Dynamics (−18 LUFS)

Classical music requires the widest dynamic range of any genre: from the pianissimo of a solo violin to the fortissimo of a full orchestra. Magic Master targets such recordings at −18 LUFS — the quietest target among all presets, so as not to destroy the drama built on loudness contrast.

Processing here is extremely gentle: compression is almost never applied, and no artificial reverb is added by default — the hall acoustics are already in the recording. For a very dry recording it can be turned on manually in the processing chain. Mastering's main job is to ensure safe peak headroom (True Peak), since orchestral tutti passages and timpani hits produce sharp, unpredictable transients.

• Never apply hard limiting to classical — it destroys the very essence of the genre.
• Leave enough headroom before mastering so transients don't clip.
• Learn about the relationship between loudness and dynamics in the article about the loudness war.

Also read: Dynamic Range and the Loudness War · True Peak for Streaming