Limiter with side chain input.

Question

Limiter with side chain input.

Hello all,

I'm a big fan of the L2 ultramaximizer as a brick wall compressor. I am however working on a project that requires me to master stuff into a whole bunch of stems. The material really needs to be proper loud and efficient so I was hoping to limit the stems off a side chain running a stereo ref input. L2, disappointingly doesn't have this function. Could anyone recommend either an AU, RTAS or TDM limiter that has a side chain input for this kind of use. Am looking for top end stuff and would appreciate your advice.

Best.

Christian.

G5, G5, Powerbook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.9), 6 PCs running Giga (and I hate them)

Posted on Aug 31, 2007 11:43 PM

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Answer 1

xpander

Level 1

5 points

Sep 1, 2007 12:34 PM in response to Christian Henson

You might check out www.fluxhome.com and take a look at their new Pure Limiter AU as well as some of their other dynamic effects plug-ins. In reading the features and description of how Pure Limiter functions, it would work well as the last effect plug-in in your mastering effects chain. Although I just noticed while typing this that there's no mention of side-chaining ability... but it deserves a look even if it's out of just curiosity.

The 'go-to' mastering limiter plug-in that my friend uses for most of his post-production work is the Oxford Limiter from www.sonnoxplugins.com This is probably close to what you are looking for. It's what I plan on adding to my plug-in collection when I can afford the bundle. It's certainly what I would consider 'pro-quality' in terms of sonic results, ease of use and features required for precise control over a mix. Sonnox also offers some other great dynamic processors that are worth looking at, all of which are high-end software tools... perfect for use during the tracking, mixing and mastering stages of your recordings.

Also, I know you're probably not interested in hardware/software combinations but I have to mention one product... Focusrite's Liquid Mix. I mention this because I've been taking my tracks to my friend's studio to learn more about the mixing process and the tools involved. He's been letting me spend all the time I want using his LM unit and, for the cost, I've been really impressed with the diversity and quality of the LM's emulations of classic high-end hardware in AU format. He's spent time with me comparing real vintage gear with the plug-in emulations, and some of them are so close that you would have to be a real studio fanatic to hear the differences.

Anyway, I didn't intend to go off topic, but for the money you would spend on any Sonnox plug-ins, you would be within range of a Liquid Mix which comes with 32 channels of processing with 40 compressors and 20 eq models to choose from - serious bang for the buck (IMO).

Good luck, I hope you find something that fits your needs.

Peace - xpander

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Answer 2

Sep 2, 2007 1:51 AM in response to xpander

Thanks xpander for your thoughts. I have the Sony stuff but unfortunately the limiter doesn't allow a side chain input. It's an odd one this because it's about 50% accross the board where a S/C input is concerned on plugs. Such a useful feature and one I can't believe is too difficult to impliment on a plug? Maybe ADC has something to do with this seeming surprisingly complicated.

So I have found MacDSP, URS 1970, 1975, 1980 Console Limiters and Serato Rane Series Dynamics, which all offer Side Chain, or "Key" input. I have a Liquid Mix, and whilst I'm a fan in my experience having these puppies hanging off the Firewire Bus alongside Sample, Audio & Movie Drives can be a real pain. I'll get the RTAS wrapper and give it a spin though. I'll report back with my findings, whether I can get any of these to behave or deliver anything close to the L2.

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