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Music Software Bundles from Pluginboutique.com

The Top 5 Best Limiter Plugins Of 2024 To Maximize Loudness

August 15, 2023 
BY DAN SPENCER
Last Updated on January 8, 2024

In the dynamic world of audio engineering, achieving the perfect balance of loudness without compromising on clarity is the holy grail. With every passing year, technology takes a leap forward, offering us tools that promise better sound with more finesse. As we journey into 2024, a plethora of limiter plugins clamor for our attention, each promising to provide that punchy loudness while preserving the integrity of the track. But which ones truly stand out? Dive into this blog post as we unveil the top 5 best limiter plugins of 2024 that will ensure your mixes don't just sound louder, but genuinely better.

Included in this guide:

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer

Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer

  • Three soft clip intensity styles
  • Gain Match monitoring control
  • Transient emphasis
5
Check Price
Runner-up
Slate Digital FG-X 2

Slate Digital FG-X 2

  • Include a compressor (FG-Comp)
  • 4 different limiter preset modes
  • LoPunch and Detail enhancement knobs
4.8
Check Price
Top Pick
FabFilter Pro-L 2

FabFilter Pro-L 2

  • 8 distinct limiting functions
  • Linear phase oversampling (32x)
  • Audition Limiting
4.7
Check Price
Top Pick
Sonible Smart:Limit

Sonible Smart:Limit

  • AI-powered parameterization
  • Limiting style control dial
  • Extensive and detailed monitoring
4.5
Check Price
Lowest Price
Mastering The Mix Limiter

Mastering The Mix Limiter

  • Target presets (Spotify and Apple Music)
  • NRG harmonic distortion slider
  • Automatic detection setting
4.5
Check Price

The Top 5 Best Limiter Plugins

1
Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer
Best Overall

Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer

  • Three soft clip intensity styles
  • Gain Match monitoring control
  • Transient emphasis

The Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer is simply the best mastering limiter in the market. Its Intelligent Release Control (IRC) comes in many different flavors to support all kinds of styles and genres of music. Its Magnify Soft Clip feature allows users to achieve a few extra notches of loudness after the limiting process. Lastly, it has a great visual meter showing what transients are being affected. With the Ozone 10 Maximizer, you will get the loudest most transparent masters you've ever heard!

Pros
  • It’s extremely transparent even at high limiting levels.
  • Offers many different IRC modes.
  • Simple interface that’s easy to navigate.
Cons
  • Can be CPU intensive.
  • It comes with a hefty price tag.
  • Can only be bought as part of the Ozone 10 bundle.
2
Slate Digital FG-X 2
Runner-up

Slate Digital FG-X 2

  • Include a compressor (FG-Comp)
  • 4 different limiter preset modes
  • LoPunch and Detail enhancement knobs

The Slate Digital FG-X 2 is a great mastering limiter that also includes a compressor within it. It is great at maintaining the original punch and transients of your mix while achieving outstanding loudness. One really unique feature of this plugin is its FG-Level, which analyzes the input signal and decides whether to add limiting or saturation. On top of that, you can choose between 4 different limiting modes: clear, tight, punchy, and loud. These presets will help you achieve a sound based upon their names. There are a host of other great perks within this plugin from drive to enhancements and from visual meters to monitoring. The Slate Digital FG-X 2 is the perfect all-in-one tool to get you loud and transparent masters.

Pros
  • Users can switch between four modes of limiting.
  • System presets can make using this plugin a breeze.
  • Plugins is easy to use and navigate.
Cons
  • Gain compensation feature could use some work as it isn’t all that accurate.
  • Some users don't think it works great on bass-heavy music.
  • Expensive to buy alone, but is included in the Slate All Access Pass.
3
FabFilter Pro-L 2
Top Pick

FabFilter Pro-L 2

  • 8 distinct limiting functions
  • Linear phase oversampling (32x)
  • Audition Limiting

The FabFilter Pro-L 2 is an advanced limiting plugin chalk full of features. It has linear-phase oversampling, noise shaping, and precise true peak level metering. It even has support for surround sound, making it the only one on our list containing that feature. It has a great help guide and interactive tips to help users navigate. On top of all this, it doesn't use much CPU power so you don't have to worry about audio dropout. If you want a limiter with great transparency and a host full of features, then the FabFilter Pro-L 2 is for you!

Pros
  • One of the most accurate tools when it comes to loudness metering
  • Suitable for all sorts of mastering projects
  • Exceptional user interface with interactive helpful tips
Cons
  • Interface isn’t resizable, which means it won’t accommodate higher screen resolutions
  • Learning when to use each tool can take quite a bit of time
4
Sonible Smart:Limit
Top Pick

Sonible Smart:Limit

  • AI-powered parameterization
  • Limiting style control dial
  • Extensive and detailed monitoring

The Sonible Smart:Limit is one of the most notable AI mastering limiters in the market. You simply play your track and let Smart:Limit do its thing. For further customization, you can select a genre to match the style of your song or even upload a reference track. On top of that, you can edit all the AI parameters to taste so get the master you are looking for. If AI and solid masters are your thing, then you should definitely consider the Sonible Smart:Limit.

Pros
  • Comes with amazing visual feedback and learning aids.
  • AI tools help you optimize tracks in a flash.
  • Limiting parameters are completely customizable.
Cons
  • It's easier to introduce distortion into the signal with this limiter compared to others on the list.
  • Learning how to adjust the AI features takes a bit of time.
5
Mastering The Mix Limiter
Lowest Price

Mastering The Mix Limiter

  • Target presets (Spotify and Apple Music)
  • NRG harmonic distortion slider
  • Automatic detection setting

The Mastering The Mix Limiter is probably the best limiter on our list when it comes to guidance. This limiter analyses your track and then suggests the best settings for it. It also provides loudness profiles, including Spotify and Apple Music, so you will know if you are hitting your goals. Its NRG parameter injects warm analog tone into the track and its PCH control helps to maintain transients. Though this limiter does take more time to dial in than others on our list, the results are fantastic when you get it right.

Pros
  • Cheapest option on our list.
  • Provides incredible transparency and clarity, especially in the low-end.
  • Target arrows make optimizing tracks a piece of cake.
Cons
  • Settings are finicky, which may lead to users losing hours of work.
  • Limiter may squash transients and result in lackluster tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a limiter plugin?

A limiter plugin is a tool used in audio engineering to ensure that audio signals do not exceed a specified limit. They're primarily used to manage and boost the loudness of a track without introducing unwanted distortions.

How does a limiter differ from a compressor?

While both limiters and compressors are dynamics processors, they serve slightly different functions. Compressors reduce the dynamic range of a signal by attenuating peaks that exceed a set threshold. Limiters, on the other hand, strictly prevent any part of the signal from going beyond a certain level.

Can't I just maximize loudness with my DAW's built-in limiter?

While most DAWs come with built-in limiters that can do a decent job, specialized limiter plugins often offer advanced algorithms and features that provide better control, transparency, and results.

How do I choose the best limiter plugin for my needs?

Consider your specific requirements – the genre of music you work on, your workflow preferences, and your budget. The top 5 limiter plugins listed in this article are a great place to start your search.

Why is loudness so important in modern music production?

Loudness plays a key role in ensuring tracks stand out, especially in the competitive environments of streaming platforms, radio, and clubs. A track with optimized loudness can deliver a more immediate impact on listeners.

Product Recap

Now that you know about the best limiter plugins of 2024, the question is, which one are you going to get? The Izotope Ozone 10 Maximizer is our favorite and the one we use for mastering. The Slate Digital FG-X 2 is a great upgrade from the original and will get you solid results. Lastly, if you are on a budget, then you should consider the Mastering The Mix Limiter.

If you found this guide helpful, please consider subscribing to our blog for more music production tips, product reviews, and buying guides. Now, go out and get yourself some loud masters!

"Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. These links are from various companies such as Amazon. This means if you click on any of these links and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you and the money gets invested back into Audio Sorcerer LLC."

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One comment on “The Top 5 Best Limiter Plugins Of 2024 To Maximize Loudness”

  1. While I don't have their plug-ins yet, Sonible looks to be very useful. I might have used a plug-in of theirs in a trial.

    Limiters I have used are stock PreSonus Studio One, LVC Limited-MAX, TDR Limiter 6 GE, Venomode Maximal 3, Nugen ISL-2, trial of TC Electronic Brickwall, and my new one, the SSL X-Limit. All did things well if a bit different sounding.

    I typically clip then limit on my 2 bus, such as with Schwabe Gold Clip, LVC Clipped-MAX, and Softube Clipper.

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