Metal Mastering Online — Dense Wall of Guitars at −9 LUFS

Metal is one of the spectrally densest genres: dual guitars, bass and blast beats compete for the same low-frequency space. Magic Master 2.0 targets the track at −9 LUFS, delivering maximum energy while avoiding the low-mid "mush" typical of poorly mixed metal.

Four-band dynamics with Linkwitz-Riley crossovers separate guitars and bass so each instrument stays distinguishable instead of blending into one rumble. A transient designer emphasizes the attack of the double kick and snare, preserving aggression without losing riff clarity, while an anti-aliasing exciter adds brightness to the top end without "grit" on distorted guitars.

• Check whether riffs get "muddy" in the 200–500 Hz range — a common problem in dense metal mixes.
• Watch cymbal and blast-beat peaks — they easily create unpleasant harshness.
• Compare your track's loudness against references with the LUFS analyzer.

Also read: Dynamic Range and the Loudness War · What Is LUFS