Maximizers and limiters are similar tools for processing audio, but with some key differences. Knowing when to use one effect over the other can help you build your skill as an engineer, and help you become more precise with your production choices.
We will demystify all of the similarities and differences between a maximizer vs limiter below so that you can make informed production, mixing, and mastering decisions. You can certainly get by using your DAW's stock maximizer and limiter(s), but we'll also share some popular 3rd party plugin options below for reference.
Is a Maximizer the Same as a Limiter?
It's true that you can use a maximizer or a limiter and receive similar results in your processed audio. The average listener likely won't be able to pick up the nuances between the two processing methods, but it's important to understand that maximizers and limiters are fundamentally different, as production and engineering choices compound atop one another even if the variance appears to be negligible.
You can think of a limiter as a supercharged compressor, in which the limiter begins compressing the audio at a high ratio once passing the set threshold. In the case of a sonic maximizer (sometimes called an expander), lower sounds are raised up to the point of a threshold, and then the highest points are cut off and compressed, similar to the role of a limiter.
Maximizers might have a slightly more audible effect than just a limiter since you're pushing up signal to a threshold before limiting the entirety of the signal. Both plugins shape the sound and are most commonly used throughout the mastering process. When it comes to deciding between a maximizer vs limiter, you need to select the right tool for your situation, dependent on the needs of your track.
We need tools like limiters and maximizers to take our mixes and bring them up to a level that is loud enough to be consumed on digital streaming platforms, CDs, car radios, and speakers. Limiters and maximizers are used with this goal in mind, with your specific settings for each dependent on your desired output platform. These are all considerations that occur throughout the mastering process:
Alternatively, you can use a service like Emastered to act as your AI-powered mastering assistant if you're not yet ready to dive into the world of limiters and maximizers.
What is the Purpose of a Limiter?
To understand the maximizer, we must first understand the limiter. A limiter is essentially a compressor with a high ratio, usually at a 10:1 or infinite ratio with a quick attack. Similar to compressors, they are used to create a more consistent dynamic range across a piece of audio, bringing up the quietest parts of your mix, while lowering the levels of the highest peaks in a piece of audio.
When the loudest peaks of audio pass the threshold of the limiter, they are compressed heavily (this is sometimes referred to as brick wall compression), preventing clipping. Limiters are used to enhance the overall dynamic range, clarity, and loudness of a track, but as is the case with compressors, you can overdo this effect.
Limiters are usually used within a mastering context, where the mixing engineer has provided between 3 and 6 dB of headroom so that there's enough space to enhance the bounce of a track without clipping.
What is the Purpose of a Maximizer?
Maximizers incorporate the same process of limiting, but with a key difference. Before the full audio signal is compressed based on a set threshold, less-heard sounds are elevated across the frequency spectrum to make them more audible. This comes from the tape recording days, where certain frequencies required a level of emphasis or enhancement to be printed in a balanced manner.
A sonic maximizer can add a level of character before limiting the signal through compression. In short, maximizers have an added step that limiters do not, but they are both tools that can help process a waveform's dynamics.
When Should I Use a Limiter vs. a Maximizer?
Choosing between a limiter and maximizer comes down to one main consideration: if you're looking for something that will introduce potentially stronger tonal color, you're better off experimenting with a maximizer. Limiters set a ceiling where anything passing that threshold is quickly compressed, whereas maximizers first bring up more subtle frequencies in the mix.
Some might alternatively depict a maximizer as a limiter that can add make up gain. In any case, the right tool for the job depends solely on what you're looking for in terms of the mix.
Best Limiters and Maximizers
There are plenty of excellent stock limiters and maximizers to consider, but in case you're looking for a 3rd party option, here are some of the limiters and maximizers that turn heads across the audio engineering community:
BBE Sonic Maximizer
This maximizer is known for adding sweet harmonics and color to a sound, providing a less subtle limiting process. This plugin is included with the rack emulator BBE Sonic Sweet bundle .
UrsaDSP Boost Limiter
For ultra-clean compression, many engineers turn to the UrsaDSP Boost Limiter . You can add "Emphasis" to bring out transients, but this powerful plugin will give you clean compression otherwise.
Loudmax
For a no-thrills, free brickwall limiter option, check out Loudmax . This limiter provides clean compression without a hefty pricetag.
L2 Ultramaximizer
A mainstay in the audio mastering community, Waves is known for its robust and wallet-friendly mastering plugin. L2 allows you to cycle through several shaping modes and cleanly view your audio attenuation for precise audio processing.
Maximizers and Limiters: Both Useful Tools for Different Processes
As an active member of the music production or audio engineering community, it's vital to understand when to use a limiter versus when to use a maximizer. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with an enhanced understanding behind each tool so that you can masterfully process your sessions. Have fun using your favorite maximizes and limiters to put the final touches on your next session.
