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Many manufacturers use the terms limiter and maximizers interchangeably, but we will make a distinction between a simple limiter and a full-featured maximizer. While you might choose not to use limiters very often, you will probably want to use a maximizer on every mix and master that you send out. What’s the Difference Between a Limiter and a Maximizer? See the notes at the end of this article for information about the more technical functions of a maximizer. Many maximizer plugins also provide oversampling options to avoid digital aliasing distortion. These algorithms retain the punch of your master while minimizing distortion and overloads when the digital signal converts to analog or to a lossy digital codec, like mp3. Professional models offer look-ahead processing and true-peak (inter- sample peak) limiting. To help get you started, many models feature presets optimized for different musical styles, broadcast standards, and even surround sound formats. Maximizers also impart some tonal coloration that can add a certain polish to a full mix. What Is An Audio Maximizer?Īn audio maximizer is like a limiter on steroids, specifically designed to bring a full mix to an optimum loudness level and control its peak digital level. Maximizers require a delicate touch and their array of controls can seem intimidating, so in this blog, we’ll cover what maximizers do and explore some of the most popular models. Properly used, maximizers help your tracks sound loud, punchy, and exciting. They finalize the loudness of your master while avoiding clipping. It seems like they are quite "resonant" and "ringy", which may be the NEW COOL.These powerful signal processors are the last processor in a mastering chain. it is better to have some kind of cohesive blend with the track than to try to make it "ready for iTunes". Keep in mind, your mixes don't have to be through the rafters with compression and volume. i find all waves eq's sound better when you cut a frequency instead of boost it. Then since you probably hear a slightly different "color" to your mix, take the time to adjust the EQ to compensate. Then, gain up the output until its loud (but not crazy loud) just barely enough to get your levels up a little bit. Try just adding it to the master bus, and just trim down the threshold value until you hear a slight difference in the tone. I try to use them sparingly as they do color the sound of the mix. The multimaximizers mean you have compression, and an EQ in one plug. but basically the L1.Īs far as I know, they are about the same.
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