Home Software and plugins Virtual processors Best Limiter VST Reviews

Best Limiter VST Reviews

With so many plugins to go around, it’s easy to understand why many feel lost in their choice. We are here to help. If you don’t know, the limiter plugin is a tool to compress the signal without letting the signal go over a certain threshold. To find out more about the characteristics of the best limiter plugin stay tuned till the end. Just like any other type of plugin, the limiter plugin is required to add some new dimensions to your audio tracks and transform the sound so that it fits your view. Limiter software is usually made after their hardware counterparts and is used by all: beginning musicians and professional music bands. In this paper, we will take a look at several limiter VST plugins that have proved to be worthy by many parameters, such as flexibility, library size, functionality, etc.

Our pick
best limiter plugin
FabFilter Pro-L 2
Best limiter plugin
Are you looking for a professional, feature-packed limiter that is loud and transparent at the same time, equipped with extensive loudness metering? Then FabFilter Pro-L 2 is your weapon of choice!

Best limiter plugins review

FabFilter Pro-L 2 – best overall

To improve the quality of the mixes you create, you can use state-of-the-art equipment. One such auxiliary tool is FabFilter's Pro-L 2. With it, your mixes will shine with new colors, and working on adding effects will be much easier. To help users we've created a FabFilter Pro-L 2 review.

FabFilter Pro-L 2

Main features

When working with the Pro-L 2 plugin, users may notice several distinct advantages. Among them is the availability of 8 limiting algorithms. With this unit, users have access to an unusual set of tools with unique characteristics. This is especially important when working with hot mixes. The Pro-L 2's functionality allows distortion to be removed during mix conversion. In other words, you can measure the volume while you're working on a track, bring it to the right sound, and process it with the appropriate noise.

Moreover, it comes with a hot mix sounds distortion-free. When working with a hot mix, the peaks may be cut off when the track is transferred to a digital converter. So limiting the audio peaks when working with Pro-L 2 is very important. If you notice that the analog signal is higher than the peak, no distortion will be applied to the mix.

Another key benefit is the volume control and compliance. This unit can measure audio volume extensively at all peaks. With the display, work is done in an online format and users have access to innovative display modes. Among them, Infinite mode stands out for displaying an audio session in a convenient format.

On top of that, the voluminous sound is achieved through flexible channel binding. This is why the FabFilter Pro-L 2 plugin is considered the ideal tool for multi-channel scenarios. Useful features include the DC offset capability. Users also note the triggering of an external Sidechain and Unity Gain. The latter option allows you to listen to effect limiting at single gain levels.

FabFilter Pro-L 2 black skin

How does It sound?

Once you've tried the Pro-L 2 VST, users will never want to go back to their previous devices again. This unit allows you to work with several new types of sound. What's more, it can mix them to create new sounds. So it can sound like nearly anything you need it to.

The user does not need to open the menu and look for peaks to cut or peak the sound. Simply press the peak management button at the bottom. The mixing speed can be increased up to 32. This way, the sound is also clear and undistorted.

Peak levels can be adjusted while you're still in the middle of your mix. This compensates for any degradation in sound quality when digitizing. In the pickup format, you can select target styles to interpret the track to the rhythm and platforms you want. With Peak Limiters, music sounds comfortable for users and is easy to work with.

Summary

This platen is great for mixing your tracks. You can achieve the right level of sound with it, and the user-friendly display makes it easy to work with. All peaks can be easily controlled and no data is lost when transferring to digital media. For track creators, it's the right tool for the job.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.12 or later, Apple Silicon or Intel processor, 64-bit only.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later, 32/64 bit.

TDR Limiter 6 GE – budget solution

The TDR Limiter 6 GE is considered a modern sound processing tool using 6 dedicated modules. Often they can be placed in different orders to mix sounds. Using them will help expand the range of sounds in your mix. We've created a short TDR Limiter 6 GE review to take a closer look at its sound and capabilities.

TDR Limiter 6 GE logo

Main features

When working with the Limiter 6 GE plugin, users may notice some interesting features that will be useful for music processing. For example, they will be able to make use of the dynamic compressor to keep the sound clear. They will also need the use of a high-frequency limiter and peak limiters for this function.

Since there are 6 modules, each helps you control a different type of music. They can be used to apply micro and macro elements to frame the music and indicate the sound's signal path. If these are combined correctly, not only will the sound be louder, but it will also be musically accurate. It's also possible to push the tempo of the music by adding some excitement to the mix.

For lovers of visual aesthetics, the unit has an option to enhance the true peak and volume measurement section. Its compatibility with the EBU R128 gives you detailed information about the dynamics of your music. So the processed mix will not affect listening perception negatively due to the use of volume amplifiers.

Another interesting feature is the set of intelligent starting points. These can be used to quickly boost the volume of your mix to the maximum. Each of these features can help you not only to master your mix but to make it unique and distinctive. Use the functions of the unit according to your needs.

TDR Limiter 6 GE plugin

How does It sound?

One of the main differences in the sound of the Limiter 6 GE VST is the high volume of the sound. When processing it, you have to clean up the lower noise immediately to rid the mix of unnecessary rubbish. Modules are easy to manipulate and can simply be dragged from one section of a track to another.

Keep an eye on the peaks at all times. They're easy to keep track of with this unit because they're displayed on the right-hand side of the basic menu. If you don't exceed them, you'll get a clean, high-quality track.

To ensure that track quality does not degrade when you crank up the volume, keep the range no higher than 12 LUFS. Be careful when using certain features, as they may increase the volume too much and make listening to music uncomfortable. For example, you need to apply Bypass delicately.

Summary

This tool is a great solution for those who want to improve their tracks at minimum cost For users, it is an opportunity to get a great way to mix and process their tracks. By processing a track with TDR Limiter 6 GE, the user gets a stronger mix with a nice and high-quality sound.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.12 or later, 64-bit only.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later, 32/64 bit.

iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced – premium

With its basic characteristics, iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced can help simplify all the mixing problems you have with your tracks when you're upgrading them. It combines the benefits of previous versions with new features, including online instrument separation and better low-frequency processing. These features are described in our short iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced review.

iZotope Ozone 9

Main features

Working with the iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced VST, users get a feature-rich unit with the advantages of earlier models. Additional functions are the distinguishing features of this plug-in. The Master Rebalance stands out among them. It's used to adjust the volume of bass, percussion, or vocals in any part of the audio track. You can work on it in an online format. So you don't have to regularly re-render your track.

You can use DAW automation to add a unique arrangement. It infuses your songs with excitement by changing the volume slightly. In doing so, users don't overbalance a section of the track with additional effects compared to the rest of the track. This process can be adjusted with additional spectrum meters.

Another innovation is the Low and Focus function. This is used to handle harsh low frequencies. For this, boundary areas can be set so that the low-frequency mode can't disadvantage a certain section of the mix. Users can immediately listen to the track created with this feature. This helps to avoid additional processing of the mix.

iZotope Ozone 9 modules

Mixes can be extended to enhance the natural sound. The iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced has an image scanner function for this purpose. It has 2 stereo imaging modes built-in. You can use them to widen or narrow any band on a track (bass, tone, guitar, vocals, whatever). It also helps to monitor the stereo width so that the sound doesn't look too stretched out and ruin your creation when transferred to a digital format.

How does It sound?

The many characteristics of the Ozone 9 Advanced plugin sounds is the increased volume of the tracks. Therefore, users are careful to treat the top peaks carefully so that they are not distorted when transferring to digital.

The lower peaks sound somewhat scattered and unpleasant when first introduced into the plugin. Once you've cleaned out the trash and noise, the sound improves a few times over. By processing the track with the new features, you can play around a bit with the processing of each instrument at all stages. This will help to improve the sound quality of your mix.

Controlling this parameter will help you avoid quality degradation when transferring to digital resources. Even after listening to a mixed track for the first time, you can see the difference between the downloaded mix and the result of working through the plug-in.

Summary

To summarize, this plug-in is a very interesting and high-quality unit. It's suitable for beginners and experienced mixing enthusiasts alike. Its additional features (Tonal Balance Control, Low-End Focus) are sure to please users. Even though the unit costs almost $500, its quality is worth the money.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.13.6 or later, 64-bit only.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 or later, 64 bit only.

Sonnox Oxford Inflator – also a great choice

In this paper, we present you with our Sonnox Oxford Inflator review. This 64-bit devices compatible sound amplifier will be of good use to those who want to make their music louder, juicier, and deeper. This plugin has a simple user interface, a high limit of virtual headroom, 2 unique sounding modes, and high resistance to various audio artifacts.

Sonnox Oxford Inflator plugin

Main features

First, the user interface is very comfortable and easy to navigate. It was made specially to be as simple as possible. Second, the Oxford Inflator plugin toolkit allows its user to amplify the sound level of most program material you can use. On top of that, with it, you can add warmth, character, and dynamic sounds as if you were using a vintage hardware amplifier. It is also possible to go beyond the average digital maximum of virtual headroom with this plugin. If you get annoyed with frequent signal overload in other plugins, in Sonnox Oxford Inflator VST your percussive peaks will pass without issues.

One of the key features of this software is 2 flexible modes responsible for the diversity of sound. You can use Band-split and Direct audio modeling modes to get music sound the way you see it and to control the optimal DSP usage. Another feature is that you can add an extra dynamic range of sounds to previously clipped signals. If you master all its tools and controls, you will be able to add such sound effects, as subtle, tube-like harmonic sounds, with warmth, presence, and thickness, or with good old saturation distortion.

Sonnox Oxford Inflator improve vocal

How does It sound?

Such a simple plugin can deliver a magnificent analog amplifier sound. Since I started using it, my audio tracks gained additional dimension to them. With its help, I can add more depth, juicy sounding, and rich color. One of the most common drawbacks of using such plugins is sonic artifacts, but in the case of Oxford Inflator, it is really hard to stumble upon such. It became so easy to create pumping music with mesmerizing warm signals, drums, and vocals. Such a wide range of possibilities is packed in such an inconspicuous sound amplifier emulator.

Summary

This plugin is a good choice for any musician, whether you are an amateur or a professional. High-quality software is hard to find these days, and Oxford Inflator will prove you it is one of them. Highly resistant to audio artifacts, with a multi-purpose tool, this plugin will bring the loudness to the next level and beyond.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST, VST2, VST3.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.8 or later, 32/64-bit.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later, 32/64 bit.

Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe

Today one can find the Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe review, where one checks all the necessary information about this sound amplifier. Using its features, one can add presence and tube-like warmth that amplify the perceived loudness of any material and get virtual headroom above digital maximum. On top of that, it is compatible with 64-bit devices.

Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe plugin

Main features

Usually, sound amplifiers do not possess many features, but the Devil-Loc Deluxe plugin has some of them. For starters, one can enhance the loudness of most of the known program material. The next feature is that this plugin is capable of creating a warm vibe, character, and dynamic excitement that can be heard from vintage analog amplifiers. Virtual headroom is an important parameter, and this amplifier is capable of going beyond the digital maximum. Since signal overload is an issue to be reckoned with, Devil-Loc Deluxe VST helps percussive peaks to pass without any problem.

Within this plugin, one will find 2 modes that ensure high flexibility and allows utilizing creativity to the fullest, namely Band-split and Direct. Another aspect these modes are responsible for is supporting optimal DSP usage. One can add various sound effects starting with subtle, tube-like harmonic characteristics containing warmth, presence, and thickness and continuing with straightforward saturation distortion emulating. With its vast tools, one can add to your clipped signals an additional dynamic range. Topped with a simple, utilitarian design, this sound amplifier is a good choice for all musicians: beginners and professionals.

Soundtoys Devil-Loc Deluxe workspace

How does it sound?

This plugin truly gets the meaning behind the vintage sound. By using it, one could create that extra dimension to the mixes. With additional depth, the audio tracks gained some juicy and rich color. Thanks to its high quality, it is really hard to get those annoying negative sonic artifacts, unless they are the goal. Creating epic music with pumping loud sounds was never that easy for me before this plugin. Magical, warm signals with a wide range of sounding, and simple design allows even an amateur to perform amazingly. It is especially good with drums and vocals. This plugin can be considered a great invention for any musician.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST2.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.10 or later, 64-bit only.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later, 64-bit only.

Best free limiter plugins review

Kilohearts Limiter Snapin

We present you with this Kilohearts Limiter Snapin review, where we break down this limiter in all detail. It is a compact, snapin-type plugin that will help you to increase the loudness without changing the transients too much.

Kilohearts Limiter Snapin

Main features

Even though it is modest in size, the Limiter Snapin plugin has some controls and features you might use. For example, it has in gain and out gain knobs, which change whether the input signal will be applied before or after limiting respectively. The VU meter shows you the input level, limiter's attenuation, and the threshold you chose. Also, snapin type means users can utilize this software as a VST/AU stand-alone plugin, or together with other snapin hosts, like Multipass and Snap Heap, which open even more possibilities.

Kilohearts Snapin plugins

How does it sound?

This plugin helps with increasing the loudness without going crazy. Especially when joined with other Kilohearts products, it allows you to combine some amazing sound effects and create mesmerizing tracks.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.8 or later, CPU 2.0 GHz or faster, 1 GB disk space.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later,CPU 2.0 GHz or faster, 1 GB disk space.

VladgSound Limiter No6

In this paper, you will find a VladgSound Limiter No6 review. This plugin contains various indicators, knobs, and features that will let you fine-tune the volume and other aspects of your track.

VladgSound Limiter No6

Main features

Many interesting features are hidden within the Limiter 6 plugin, like M/S and Multiband modes, or 5 modules that help to reach the best sounding. This plugin provides high-quality signal processing that you can use to your advantage. This plugin is capable of ISP limiting, and if you require oversampling, this software possesses such a feature. A decorative feature, and yet, this plugin is designed after vintage analog limiters, so if you like the retro style you will be pleased. And the stereo-linking feature prevents the distortions from infiltrating your tracks.

VladgSound Limiter No6 other skin

How does it sound?

A good limiter that helps to adjust the sound. There are so many controls, knobs, meters, and evens skins for this plugin so you can customize it. Maybe even too much, but the result is worth it.

Tech specifications

  • Platform: Mac, Windows.
  • Formats: VST.
  • System requirements - Mac: macOS 10.8, Intel CPU.
  • System requirements - Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 or later, 32/64 bit.

FAQ

What is a limiter in audio?

A limiter is a type of audio dynamics processing effect that is used to limit the maximum amplitude of an audio signal. It is similar to a compressor, but unlike a compressor, which reduces the level of the entire signal evenly, a limiter only reduces the level of the loudest parts of the signal. This makes it useful for preventing audio signals from clipping or distorting.

Limiting is an important tool for audio engineers to use in order to avoid distortion and other unwanted artifacts in their recordings. When used properly, it can help to ensure that the final product is as clean and clear as possible.

When should I use the limiter plugin?

The limiter plugin should be used when you want to prevent audio signals from clipping or distorting.

How do I use the limiter plugin?

To use the limiter plugin, first select it from the list of available plugins. Then adjust the threshold and release parameters to taste. The threshold parameter controls how much attenuation is applied to the signal, and the release parameter controls how quickly the attenuation is applied.

Should I use a limiter before mastering?

It is generally recommended that you use a limiter before mastering, as it can help to prevent your audio from clipping or to distort during the mastering process.
Related articles
our rating | 21 Mar 2023 Best Pitch Correction VST Reviews Best Pitch Correction VST Reviews
our rating | 23 Aug 2022 Best Reverb VST Reviews Best Reverb VST Reviews
our rating | 19 Aug 2022 Best Compressor VST Reviews Best Compressor VST Reviews
our rating | 10 May 2022 Best Distortion VST Reviews Best Distortion VST Reviews

If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

About Martin Hillman
Want to read more like this?