Introduction: About Limiters. Like many plugins we’ve covered, both free and professional, limiter software plugins aim to replicate the functions of classic hardware circuits. Some of the best limiter plug-ins on the market are able to approximate the sound and response of classic.

Kjaerhus Audio Classic Series is a collection of free VST audio plugins made by Kjaerhus Audio. The Audio Classic Serie is a bundle of Kjaerhus 9 Classic Serie mixing and mastering audio plugins.
Sonic Anomaly – Unlimited (Windows Only) Unlimited is another free limiter VST plugin with a clean, transparent sound. Unlimited succeeds in having balanced characteristics: avoiding audible distortion typical to hard limiting and clipping to the extent it is feasible, yet still not sounding compressed or vigorless.

Let’s get your mixes sounding loud and clear with the best mastering limiter plugin software.

While practically any limiter could do for mastering purposes, professionals and “those in the know” tend to rely one or another to get the sound right.

We’ll list of the 5 that are most in demand, and pick the top choices for you.

Quick answer: PSP Xenon is our top pick, but the super popular Fabfilter Pro-L is also a great option to get (it’s also cheaper).

The rest of this article goes into each plugin more in-depth, listing the features, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Now let’s take a closer look 🙂

Table of Contents

Find more great gear here:

Mastering Limiter Plugins Buying Guide

What is a limiter?

A limiter, like the compressor, is another one of those plugins that many attribute a lot of mystery to. Primarily because, to some, it’s a mystery how they work.

If you looked at the compressor plugin guide, or the post on how compressors work, you will come to much of a similar definition of how a limiter works…

Definition:

A limiter plugin is a dynamics processor that restricts or “limits” the level of a signal to a specific threshold. Essentially a type of compressor, a limiter prevents the signal from exceeding the predefined threshold entirely.

So in contrast, compressors will reduce the dynamics range of the signal gradually when it exceeds the threshold, while a limiter says “you shall not pass” once the signal reaches that threshold.

It’s like the difference between keeping your audio signal on a leash (compressor) and shutting the gate entirely (limiter) so nothing gets beyond a set boundary.

This makes the compressor good for controlling unruly dynamics, and limiters good for squeezing as much dynamics as possible into a track without clipping.

They may be used to limit individual instruments or tracks during the mixing stage, or entire stereo mixes during the mastering stage. You can read more on how on applying the right limiter settings to your songs for the best results.

Features to look for in a mastering limiter

Some of the features that come with mastering limiters may not have much use in more general studio applications.

But given the unique requirements of audio mastering (Wiki article), features that can be superfluous–and even unnecessary–for mixing may be indispensable for mastering.

For instance, limiters employed in mixing typically have compression ratios of about 1:10. This is usually sufficient for individual instruments. But for mastering purposes, you want a limiter with precise output limiting and higher ratios than that which general-purpose compressors and limiters are able to provide.

Limiters with precise output level control and high ratios are often referred to as “brick wall” limiters.

Mastering limiters may also include additional tone shaping features, typically at the end of the signal path.

Common additions are soft saturation and/or soft clipping algorithms, which are useful for imparting warmth and extra harmonics reminiscent of the sound recorded ‘hot’ onto an analog tape.

How to choose a mastering limiter

One of the most common criteria for choosing a mastering limiter is transparency.

Because mastering limiters will be called upon to process the entire mix, you will want a unit that provides as little coloration as possible.

Perceivable distortion, shrillness, harshness, and pumping are all generally considered undesirable qualities in a mastering limiter…

… so you will want one that processes your audio according to your needs without imparting its own ‘color’ or tonal imprint, which is what a general purpose limiter, great of individual tracks, may do.

That being said, you also don’t want a mastering limiter that tames your mix to the point of lifelessness.

There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and your effort to avoid harshness and excessive coloration could very well push your mix the other way. The result: a bland and forgettable mix with a distinct lack of punch or impact.

Now let’s take a look at the limiter plugins that you can use for mastering your tracks.

Best Mastering Limiter Plugin Software

Remember to take a look at the “Final Thoughts” section for the comparison and consensus on these plugins.

1. PSP Xenon

PSP Xenon is a full-band, dual-stage limiter with a great set of cutting-edge features great for crunching your tracks.

It employs a two–stage process for limiting signals, the first of which applies gain reduction while allowing transients to pass through. Once they get to the second stage, the transients are processed separately via look-ahead and envelope detectors.

A ‘leveler’ control then applies gain reduction on louder passages before applying limiting, resulting in a rich and full sound without introducing distortion.

Specs and features

Two–stage limiting process: First stage applies gain reduction while letting transients through. Second stage processes transients separately with look-ahead processing and envelope detectors
Leveler control applies a gain reduction on louder passages before applying limiting
Auto output mode lets you compare input/output signals while adjusting settings
Easy-to-use interface.
K–system loudness metering with pink-noise generator

User impressions

PSP Xenon is frequently praised for being clean and transparent, and its ability to preserve the most delicate elements of a mix. It is also lauded for its intuitive design, which shares many of the same features and functionalities as other PSP products.

Xenon is so transparent that it is frequently used in productions wherein maintaining the integrity of the source audio is of utmost priority, such as in jazz or classical music recordings.

Bottom-line

PSP Xenon has a serious combination of features and functionality that makes it a standout among the current crop of limiter plug-ins. We were especially impressed with the leveler and stereo unlink controls that allow the signal to be cranked without introducing distortion.

The transient stage is also among the most flexible we’ve seen, enabling percussive elements to retain their punch. In terms of transparency, Xenon is pretty much the one to beat.

Demonstraton

2. FabFilter Pro-L

Fab-Filter’s Pro-L is perhaps the first choice that comes to mind of anyone looking for an innovative true peak limiter. It’s suitable for a wide variety of mastering and mixing applications. It has features like precision controls and an intuitive user interface, so the Pro-L manages to sound great regardless of the source material.

Specs and features

Precise true peak level meters
Versatile loudness metering supports most common standards
Real-time level display
Advanced algorithms
Linear-phase oversampling
Professional dithering
Noise shaping
Surround support
Intelligent channel linking

User impressions

I’ve seen the FabFilter Pro-L called a “game changer” in some parts of the internet. Some peopl

Vst Plugin Classic Master Limiter