Software Limiters

  • Thread starter Thread starter AlexW
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AlexW

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I'm interested in getting a software limiter to use with Protools LE (RTAS). I'm not really interested in doing mastering level work, but basically just to help avoid digital clips on individual tracks or the master during rough mixes. I'm considering three and just curious if anyone has any experience/opinions on them:

PSP Vintage Warmer: $150
Elemental Audio Finis: $139
Waves L1: $300

My next step may be demo each one, but I'd appreciate any feedback.
 
Far as I can tell Waves doesn't sell the L2 outside of one of their packages.
 
If you are having problems clipping individual tracks, you must be doing that on the way in. The limiter won't help, you have already clipped the convertors.
 
No, during mixing. Just pushing up the volume on individual tracks that when summed, can peak the master. I've got some decent software converters that I can use on individual channels, but sometimes the makeup gain can end up clipping the channel. Sure, I can tinker with the compressor settings, but sometimes it just seems it would be simpler to throw a brickwall limiter on and not have to worry about it.
 
AlexW said:
No, during mixing. Just pushing up the volume on individual tracks that when summed, can peak the master. I've got some decent software converters that I can use on individual channels, but sometimes the makeup gain can end up clipping the channel. Sure, I can tinker with the compressor settings, but sometimes it just seems it would be simpler to throw a brickwall limiter on and not have to worry about it.
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Be careful here, putting a limiter on the master will not prevent clipping. The level at the master meter won't show clip, but the summing bus will still be clipped. Always make sure that the combined signals on the bus aren't overloading the bus because anything you insert after that won't fix it.
BTW, If you are using PT LE, didn't Maxim come with the package?
 
It may have but it doesn't show up in my plugins folder. In any case, I used a version of it when I was running under PT version 5.x and didn't like it that much.

Interesting what you say about plugins on the master fader. Overall, I think I'm still having the similar problem as on individual channels. Compressing some, raising the output gain, then getting occasional clips. I guess at base I'm just thinking I might get better use out of a dedicated limiter than trying to setup the compressor to act like a limiter, and still sound good.

So back on point, any opinions on the three I've listed?
 
You are mixing way too hot. If you are clipping the individual channels with the makeup gain, turn the makeup gain down. There is no reason to have the mix peak above -6.
 
It's not all the channels and it's not all the time. For the most part, the average levels are -6 or lower. It just if I try to raise the overall level to burn a rough CD, I may get clipping at one or two points during a song. I'd rather just limit these peaks than fuss with trying to figure out the offending track out of 14 and adjust it.
 
You should render the mix to a file, then use the limiter to bring the volume up. (like the L1) you are trying to skip a step.
 
Sounds good. I'll try that. Do you have experience with any of the limiters I've listed?
 
I have used the L1 and the Vintage Warmer, I prefer the L1.
 
Thanks. The Elemental Audio one I know is new. I have some of the other Waves stuff and like it; just a bit spendier.
 
Alex,

I've used the L2 a lot for the last couple of years and have come to rely on it. To my ear it can give me invisible peak limiting, or it can do really intense limiting and still sound good (though I don't usually use that for what I do). I bought it in the Masters Bundle with the Linear EQ and multiband comp.

Tim
 
Cool man. Thanks for the input. I think that is the route I'll go as I've been happy with the other Waves stuff.
 
Like Farview said, you should be mixing so that the master is peaking well below 0 (-3dB), then use the limiter to bring up the level to 0dB. If you are running the mix to 0dB and beyond, then using the limiter to bring things down, your signal will already be clipped before it gets to the limiter.
If you own the 002 or 002R, then Maxim would have come on the PT install CD. It doesn't install it automatically, you have to navigate the CD and install it manually. I know you said you didn't care for it, but if you have it already, well the price is right.
 
Thanks, I'll check it out. I have the T-Racks multiband limiter right now but don't care for it much. I'll retry the Maxim and see if I like it better now.
 
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