AudioFu
Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 LH… ↓ 33.4% $671Allen & Heath SQ5 ↓ 28.8% $2,912Warwick Alien Deluxe 5 NT LH ↓ 27.8% $727Allen & Heath SQ5 Case Bundle I ↓ 26.7% $3,170Casio AP-S200 BN ↓ 23.9% $963Allen & Heath SQ5, Case, DX168/X… ↓ 21.7% $5,187Dangerous Music 2 Bus+ ↓ 21.0% $4,033Orange PPC212-COB ↓ 20.6% $586Orange Micro Dark ↓ 20.2% $195Seymour Duncan SHR-1B Hot Rails… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SHR1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N BLK ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Bridge… ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1N Creme ↓ 19.3% $122Seymour Duncan SL59-1B Parchment ↓ 19.3% $122

Catalog

Limiters

11 instruments available · See the ranking

Dateq SPL-6 MK2

Limiters

$3,159€2,819Check ↗

Dateq SPL-5 MKII

Limiters

$1,848€1,649Check ↗

Formula Sound AVC 2D

Limiters

$871€777Check ↗

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter V2

Limiters

$3,809€3,399Check ↗

Dateq SPL-3 MKII

Limiters

$1,108€989Check ↗

Dateq SPL-3TS MKII

Limiters

$1,176€1,049Check ↗

Dateq SPL-2 MKII

Limiters

$782€698Check ↗

Drawmer SP2120

Limiters

$1,006€898Check ↗

Dateq SPL-2TS MKII

Limiters

$951€849Check ↗

About Limiters

Limiters are essential processors for controlling dynamic range, preventing clipping, and maximizing loudness in audio. Mastering engineers rely on them for final polish, but they're also valuable for tracking, mixing, and live sound. A quality limiter preserves sonic detail while ensuring a consistent, impactful output level.

Best for

Mastering engineersmixing engineerslive sound engineerselectronic music producersvocal processing

What to look for

Transparencygain reduction characteristicsmetering accuracytrue peak detectionsidechain filtering optionsstereo imaging

Limiters — pros & cons

Pros
  • Offers precise control over output levels and prevents digital clipping.
  • Can increase perceived loudness without introducing harsh distortion.
  • Provides a safety net for dynamics, ensuring a polished final product.
  • Allows for creative dynamic shaping and impact enhancement.
Cons
  • Overuse can result in a compressed, lifeless sound and reduced dynamic range.
  • Incorrect settings can introduce unwanted artifacts and distortion.
  • Requires careful calibration and understanding to achieve optimal results.
  • Can mask underlying mixing issues if relied upon as a crutch.

Questions about Limiters

What's the difference between a limiter and a compressor?

While related, limiters primarily focus on preventing exceeding a threshold, acting as a 'brick wall.' Compressors reduce dynamic range more broadly.

Why is 'true peak' detection important in a limiter?

True peak detection accounts for inter-sample peaks, preventing clipping that standard meters might miss, particularly crucial for streaming platforms.

How can I tell if I’m using a limiter too aggressively?

Listen for a loss of transient detail, a flattened dynamic range, and a generally 'squashed' or unnatural sonic quality.

 Check price ↗