A limiter is the last stop for many masters, catching peaks so the track can be louder without clipping. Acon Digital is a well known developer of audio tools, and a limiter plugin from any maker follows the same principles. This guide explains what a limiter does, how to set one, and how to avoid the classic mistake of crushing your music.
Availability: free offers and pricing change. Check Acon Digital's official website for the current status and licence terms of any plugin before you download.
Limiter versus compressor
A limiter is essentially a compressor with a very high ratio and a fast reaction. Where a compressor gently shapes dynamics, a limiter sets a hard ceiling that the signal should not exceed. That makes it ideal for protecting against clipping and for raising average loudness.
The controls you will see
| Control | Meaning | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|
| Input gain / threshold | How hard the signal is pushed into the limiter | Raise until you get 2 to 4 dB of reduction |
| Output ceiling | Maximum output level | -1.0 dBTP for streaming, -0.3 dB for some CD masters |
| Release | How fast gain returns | Start with auto or a medium value |
| Lookahead | Lets the limiter anticipate peaks | Leave at default first |
| Oversampling | Reduces inter-sample peaks | Enable if CPU allows |
How to master a track with a limiter
- Put the limiter last on your master channel, after EQ and any bus compression.
- Set the ceiling to -1 dB true peak.
- Play the loudest section and raise the input gain until you see roughly 2 to 4 dB of gain reduction.
- Adjust release until pumping disappears.
- Compare against a commercial reference at equal loudness.
- If the kick or snare sounds squashed, reduce the input gain.
Why not simply push it louder?
Every extra decibel of limiting removes dynamic range. The music can start to sound flat, distorted and fatiguing. Streaming platforms also normalise loudness, so an over-limited master often gets turned down and gains nothing. Aim for a dynamic, well-balanced mix that limits gently.
Fix the mix before limiting
If a mix needs 8 dB of limiting to sound loud, the problem is usually earlier. Check your levels using the gain staging guide, control peaks on individual tracks, and consider a subtle compressor on the master bus for glue before the limiter.
True peak and inter-sample peaks
Digital audio can look fine on the meter yet produce peaks between samples that clip when converted to lossy formats such as MP3 or AAC. A true peak limiter with oversampling guards against that. This is why a ceiling of -1 dBTP is a popular safety margin.
Limiter on individual tracks
You can also use limiters creatively. A limiter on a drum bus can add loudness and density. On a bass, it can hold the level steady. Use light settings and listen for pumping.
Free limiter choices
There are many capable free limiters. If you are shopping for tools, our free VST plugin collection lists several useful options. Whichever you choose, install from official sources only and avoid cracked archives.
Metering for mastering
Pair your limiter with a loudness meter showing LUFS. Popular streaming platforms often target around -14 LUFS integrated, though it varies by service. Instead of chasing a number, use it as a reference to avoid extremes.
Key takeaways
- A limiter sets a ceiling and raises loudness.
- Place it last and aim for 2 to 4 dB of reduction.
- Use a ceiling around -1 dBTP.
- Fix the mix first, then limit gently.
Frequently asked questions
Is a limiter the same as mastering?
No. It is one tool. Mastering also involves EQ, compression and critical listening.
What ceiling should I use?
-1 dBTP is a safe default for streaming.
Why does my limiter make the track sound distorted?
You are probably pushing too much gain into it. Reduce input and fix the mix.
Is the Acon Digital plugin still free?
Check the developer's page. Offers can end without notice.
