A limiter is a device used in the creation of music to stop loud peaks from going over a preset threshold. It balances the dynamic range of an audio signal by controlling both the quiet and loud sounds. Since the 1930s, limiters have been used to process audio, and they have developed into useful tools. According to the majority opinion, a limiter is a compressor with a ratio of at least 10:1 and up to infinite. However, a limiter’s main function is to stop signals from exceeding a certain ceiling rather than compressing the entire signal like a typical compressor would. They also perform this invisibly, as opposed to colored compressors.
On buses, such a voice bus where performances might occasionally peak wildly, limiters are frequently employed. But often, we discuss limiting the mix bus, and limiter plugins always complete a mastering chain. One method engineers prefer to use limiters is to make a mix louder overall at the very end, but it’s controversial if that’s the ideal way to use them. Although more seasoned engineers tend to increase perceived loudness and loudness before the mix bus, on both individual parts and groups, if it sounds good, it probably does. A limiter that is pushed too hard towards the end might occasionally sound bad.
FabFilter Pro-L 2
Your sound can get some personality by using FabFilter’s Pro-L2, particularly the Punchy and Aggressive algorithms. The plugin sounds clean and devoid of artifacts elsewhere. Additionally, the True Peak technology prevents digital clipping while the up to 32x oversampling removes distortion and aliasing. This is one of the more sophisticated plugins available on the market when it comes to professional transparency.
The Pro-L 2 from FabFilter is a stunningly transparent real peak limiter with detailed loudness metering. The Pro-L 2 is the only choice for maximum volume with less artifacting and distortion. With support for the EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, and ATSC A/85 standards, the Pro-L 2 provides accurate real-time peak meters (output and gain reduction metering), loudness metering, and loudness measurement. The user interface delivers outstanding displays in full-size and compact modes with GPU-powered graphics acceleration.
To meet your precise demands, pick from 8 distinct advanced limiting algorithms. For the cleanest results possible, professional dithering (with 3 noise shaping methods) and up to 32x linear-phase oversampling are both offered. For the particular signal, alter the lookahead, attack, and release settings. Use the plugin for signals that are mono or stereo as well as for more complex surround formats (up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2) with intelligent channel coupling. The Pro-L 2 features interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switches, Smart Parameter Interpolation, interactive “Help” documentation with tips, sample-accurate automation, double-click text entry of parameter values, among other features that are typical of FabFilter products. This is the Best Limiter Plugin in 2023.
Sonible smart:limit
With the help of this AI limiter, you can set a loudness limit for your tracks without worrying about undesired artifacts. Sonible has been developing a variety of “smart” plugins that enable you to engineer and produce music more quickly. This group consists of EQs, reverbs, compressors, etc. The most recent limiter is called smart:limit, which uses real-time analysis of the input audio to make decisions that are as transparent as possible.
Additionally, the plugin offers you a wealth of data about your audio utilizing different loudness analyzers. Consequently, you can process the dynamics of your audio using smart:limit without the requirement for a third-party analyzer program. Additionally, this plugin offers interactive “Quality Check” feedback and hints, much like a real smart plugin would. For those without much experience, these might be useful.
This artificial intelligence (AI)-powered plugin analyzes your audio signal to choose the best limiting parameters to keep your track as untouched as possible. Additionally, the plugin allows you to give a genre profile to create a certain style and character. Without having a thorough understanding of limiters and dynamics, these profiles assist beginners and intermediate musicians in producing the subtleties in a given genre. Similar to that, smart:limit enables the import of a reference track. To replicate the desired limiting style, the plugin analyzes the reference and automatically sets the parameters. Of course, if you’d prefer to work manually, you may also disable the automatic option. Alternately, you can save time by generating a functional draft utilizing the smart features before hand-customizing it.
One of the best modern limiters on the market right now, smart:limit is crammed with fantastic features that enable you to achieve outcomes more quickly. Based on your audio signal, it sets up its own parameters using clever algorithms. Similar to how you can use reference songs and genre-based profiles to assist the sound more closely resemble your idea. With a small number of settings, the sound-sculpting tools at the bottom of the interface allow you to thoroughly alter the sounds. Additionally, it provides all the relevant details required for mastering a music. As a result, you can adjust your music to meet the volume requirements of different streaming and publishing services. This is the Best Limiter VST Plugin in 2023.
Softube Weiss MM-1
The storied Weiss DS1-MK3 hardware mastering processor served as the inspiration for the Softube Weiss MM-1. It is a remarkable imitation because it uses the same digital technology; in fact, Daniel Weiss, the creator of the DS1-MK3 wholeheartedly supports it. Workflow is accelerated by this original that has been scaled down. The multi-band approach of the streamlined interface addresses the key components of a compressor/limiter. As well as independent and Mid-Side channel processing, three filter settings, and auto-release are all provided by the plugin.
The Weiss Compressor/Limiter is a benchmark in the industry for transparency and highest transient accuracy. The compression will be emphasized by the filter choices, and its mastering capabilities will be guaranteed by the M/S mode. Overall, the plugin leaves your tracks uncolored, allowing you to blend in multiple units without worrying about extra character.
A popular plugin is Softube’s Weiss Compressor Limiter because of its crisp audio and straightforward compression method. The various displays make using the Auto Release similar to operating an automatic vehicle and ensuring that you are aware of what is happening to the audio. The plugin, which is as undetectable as they come and doesn’t interfere with your mixing, is unquestionably a good addition to your collection.
iZotope Ozone 9 Maximizer
An industry-leading mastering suite with all the essential elements of a top-tier, professional mastering chain, the iZotope Ozone 9 Maximizer. One of the top mastering limiters on the market is the Maximizer module from Ozone 9.
The Intelligent Release Control, a transparent limiting technique from iZotope, is available in several settings in Ozone 9 Maximizer, particularly the IRC IV and IRC Low Latency modes. For more forceful or transparent limiting, the IRC IV algorithm offers Transient and Modern modes. All algorithms have amazing sounds, so the only thing left to do is explore and figure out which one works best for your applications.
Using this module is quite simple and makes transparent limiting simple. Simple changes can dramatically increase volume without compromising detail. By using a user-defined LUFS target, the Threshold Learn mode activates automatic threshold adjustment. Simple setup is made possible by Threshold and Ceiling Link, which keeps the perceived output level constant when the threshold is altered. Greater control over the stereo image results from independent stereo detection of the signal.
Sonnox Oxford Limiter V3
An ITU-R BS.1770-4 standard true peak limiter with unsurpassed processing and metering accuracy is the Sonnox Oxford Limiter V3. Maximum loudness, density, and presence are delivered by Sonnox’s excellent Oxford Limiter V3 without obscuring the clarity or dilating the transients. By offering sample-value limiting and musical boost, it goes beyond the limitations of traditional brickwall limiters. With this fantastic-sounding and simple plugin, you can effectively avoid clipping and improve perceived loudness.
This complex limiter features TPDF dither for 24-bit and 16-bit output with 4 forms of variable noise shaping, in addition to the standard peak limiter controls for music production (including variable attack, release, and soft-knee characteristics). To correct and eliminate faults without reducing volume, activate Auto Comp mode. To easily adjust the overall perceived loudness, use the Enhance fader.
