In this video I explore the best limiters for drum and bass music!  Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced producer, I’ll break down the top limiter plugins on the market.  I’ll reveal essential mastering techniques for loud electronic bass music and DnB, including the importance of oversampling.

Limiter Plugins Compared

Ready for the ultimate limiter showdown? We’re putting the industry’s favorites—FabFilter Pro-L2, DMG Limitless, iZotope Ozone Maximizer, and Sonible smart:limit—head-to-head, with a hard clipper thrown in for good measure.  This isn’t your typical gentle mastering demo; we’re going all out with a high-energy drum & bass approach!

What You’ll Learn

  • Deep dive into each limiter’s unique features and capabilities
  • Real-world aggressive limiting techniques for electronic music
  • How to set up each limiter for maximum performance
  • The truth about oversampling and why more isn’t always better
  • The role of oversampling and alternatives for minimizing distortion
  • Advanced limiting concepts explained in practical terms

Key Points

  • A 0.1 ms lookahead setting is used for aggressive yet controlled limiting
  • Slow attack and fast release settings are optimal for loud masters
  • 4x oversampling is optimal – anything more is unnecessary
  • Multi-band limiting can offer advantages but requires careful setup
  • Channel linking affects stereo image and overall loudness
  • True Peak limiting isn’t always necessary for DJ-oriented music
  • Different limiters excel at different aspects of sound processing
  • DMG Limitless uses innovative non-oversampling technology
  • Attack and release settings critically impact the final sound

The Takeaway

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in the world of limiting. Each plugin brings unique strengths to the table, and what works best depends on your source material and goals. This shootout demonstrates that while these limiters all achieve similar levels of loudness, they each have their own “flavor” and technical approaches. The key is understanding how to leverage their unique features for your specific needs.

Join The Conversation

Come Chat on Discordhttps://discord.gg/ZwNgZteGKw 

💬 Which limiter surprised you the most?

🎵 What’s your go-to limiter for aggressive electronic music?

🤔 Would you like to see more in-depth plugin comparisons?

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