Best limiter plugins: Take your mixes to the limit

Limiters provide a vital function in the audio production workflow. In the simplest terms they prevent a signal from clipping, but the best limiters can do much more than that these days. 

A lot of limiter plugins offer additional features or precision controls that only digital limiters can offer. Let’s run down some of the best!

Best limiter plugin overall: FabFilter Pro-L 2

FabFilter plugins are just next level, it’s that simple. Efficiency and versatility are the two cornerstones of the design philosophy of the Pro-L 2. 

This is a true peak limiter that’s ideal for the mixing and mastering production phases. It’s transparent and loud, two of the most important elements of the best limiters. 

Eight limiting algorithms each have their own distinct sound. It’s useful in every audio application, from music production to surround sound formats all the way up to Dolby Atmos 7.1.2. 

Reliable metering is a necessity in a limiter, and Pro-L 2’s is top shelf. Peak level, loudness, whatever readout you need to see across different audio standards. 

All-in-all this is a high value limiter plugin that will most likely find a permanent home in your plugin library. 

Best mastering limiter plugin: Sonnox Oxford Limiter

Oxford Limiter has built a reputation as one of the go-to limiter plugins. It translates the detail and weight of a mix very well, so you don’t have to be so shy about pushing it. 

One of the best features is the Enhance section. It elevates the perceived loudness of a track without crushing it to death. 

The GUI doesn’t get distracting and has just a few meters, and some faders and buttons. Recon metering displays the actual signal, not a sampled interpretation. 

And four noise-shaping filters of different strengths cover the dynamics of all kinds of signals. 

Best simplified limiter plugin: Minimal System Group Mastering Limiter

This limiter might have mastering in the name, but it works in all varieties of situations. It’s one of the simplest in terms of interface and controls, but don’t take that to mean it’s underpowered. 

It lives in its simplicity, with just a couple of sliders that set the threshold, release, ceiling, and input and output gain meters. 

Compared to old school rack mount hardware limiters it’s neck-and-neck. It’s not meant to be flashy, and doesn’t offer next-gen features. It’s meant to do what a limiter does. Prevent the signal from clipping. 

It’s also very affordable. So if you’re looking for a limiter that just does what limiters do, without all of the bells and whistles, this is a streamlined choice. Even if it does only run at 32 bits. 

Best transparent limiter plugin: Signum Audio BUTE Limiter 2

Mastering plugins don’t have to be complicated. Having options is great, but some people just want to keep their audio from clipping. And there’s nothing wrong with that. 

BUTE Limiter 2 strikes a good balance between the two. You dial it in with Pre Gain, Threshold, and Release and set the Curve and Mode parameters to taste. It doesn’t give you a visualizer for metering, but does display True Peak Output and Gain Reduction numerically. 

Advanced adaptive auto-release helps adjust the tail of the time constant to the source audio, and you can select between five different curve profiles. Some might want more out of a GUI in a limiter, but the interface is clean and doesn’t provide ancillary distractions like some do.

It comes in two versions, Stereo and Surround. The latter version supports up to 10 channels of Surround Sound audio, but includes all of the features of the Standard version. It’s compatible with Windows and Mac systems in 64-bit VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats.

If you’re looking for a limiter that imparts a noticeable sonic character to your tracks, this isn’t the one. But if you need a go-to that’s clean, smooth, and transparent this one is a beaut.

Best budget limiter plugin: IK Multimedia Brickwall Limiter

There seems to be two main types of GUIs when it comes to limiter plugins – flashy or to-the-point. Brickwall Limiter is the latter. Through a multi-algorithm limiting processor it easily avoids digital overs caused by the signal clipping.

With a GUI that resembles a rack mount hardware limiter more so than a next-generation limiting plugin it’s clean and easy to dial in quickly. Gain Reduction and Output Level metering provides a reliable visual readout, and parameters are set with large Input and Output Ceiling controls. Time constants over Attack and Release Times let you adjust the plugin’s response to the specific program material you’re working with.

Different limiting styles select between a set of custom algorithms that offer a great deal of flexibility and allow the control scheme to stay simple. With a range of clean and color style settings you have a range of sounds to experiment with on your tracks.

FAQ

What is a limiter plugin?

A limiter plugin is a type of dynamics processor used in music production to control the maximum level of an audio signal. It prevents peaks from exceeding a set threshold set by the user to ensure the signal doesn’t distort or clip.

How is a limiter different from a compressor?

Both dynamics processors control dynamics. A compressor gradually reduces the level of signals above a threshold, and a limiter applies very high compression ratios (often ∞:1) to stop the signal from exceeding that threshold completely. 

When should I use a limiter?

Limiters are most commonly used on the master bus during mixing and mastering to prevent clipping, to control loud peaks, and to raise the overall loudness of a track. They can also be applied on individual tracks, such as vocals or drums, to catch extreme transients, but this is not a common use for them. 

Can a limiter make my mix louder?

Yes, but proceed with caution. By catching peaks, a limiter allows you to raise the overall level of your track. This creates the perception of loudness. Keep in mind though, overusing them squashes the dynamics and makes music sound lifeless or distorted.