L3 Multimaximizer™ and other options

Let me preface this by saying, I don't have the L3 Multimaximizer but I have the L3 Ultramaximzer and the C4.

There was such a quantum leap in my mixes after I started using the C4 (on the drum bus/loops/mastering) that it was ridiculous. This one plugin took me from halfass to "wow that sounds pro" overnight. That was about 2 1/2 years ago. It's s an indispensible weapon.

That said, I don't use the L3 much anymore. I use the C4 in conjunction with the UAD Precision Limiter which sounds more transparent to me. Also, I know guys that use the L3 in conjunction with the C4.

If I had to buy one multiband compressor I'd probably buy the L3, but if you're going to spend that type of money, drop an extra $500 get the diamond bundle and live with the C4 and the L3 ultra. (or upgrade to the multi for $300 more).

well i use it and it work great,the only probleme with wave is the company itself.the plug in are really expensive,the feedback is really bad,i think the spend more time to send u advertising of them new stuff,than explain u exactaly how to instal and authorize ur ilok.considering the price it's a bit shame but anyway it work and it sound.otherwize as an alternative less expensive and easier to use u can buy(and try before)the wavearts that work pretty well and are also really less hungry in term of cpu usage(wave multimiser is really heavy for cpu)

http://www.wavearts.com/



G5 dual2.7 (3.5ram) / Mac OS X (10.4.3) / LOGIC 7.1.1 / RME digiface>APOGEE DA 16X

I demoed L3 and it sounded OK. Some posters on prosoundweb reported that it sounds more analog than their analog devices:) However I still like the combination of LinMB and L2 more, probably because I am used to this.

The other software only options (considering what L3 does I am giving you list of Multiband Dynamic processors, EQs dedicated to mastering (mostly "linear") and Limiters...)for OSX are:

-Ozone3 from izotope (some users here reported that it is very good)
-The CQ1 Multi-Band Compander and The DQ1 Dynamic Equaliser from Sonalksis

I did not test any of those. From my research on the prosoundweb forums I can say that theese two (Izotope and Sonalksis) are not considered as the highest quality mastering tools (as Waves or TC 6000 stuff)

Then there are plugins for which ou need a PCI (PCI-X or PCI express available) cards:

UAD-1 with their Mastering tools: (available separately)
http://my.uaudio.com/store/productinfo.php?cPath=22&productsid=47&osCsid=29b2068ce2052ffc584d2d37c2fabdfe

UAD precision limiter has a very good reviews and it is quite often recommended by well known (or trustable) guys from prosoundweb. It is probably even more popular than Waves limiters (L2, L3) (some people do not like L2 at all!)

Finaly TC Powercore mkII which has more options (three band multiband comp is included, five band as optional... some limiter included, some optional...)

They´re offering MD3 Stereo Mastering package which is derived from their superb TC6000 Mastering system.
http://www.tcelectronic.com/MD3PowerCore

This solution is more expensive than UAD-1 with their Mastering bundle but I can not say which one is better, as I don´t know 😟

Than there is a Sony Oxford Limiter,( with one of best reviews around) but you have to have a Pro Tools TDM rig (maybe a Mix card is enough-I do not know...some SonyOxford plugins are available for TC Powercore - like Inflator, which could interest you too. Unfortunately the SonyOxford Limiter is not available for Powercore...)

Personally I am now decieding which direction I go...
As I said I am familiar with LinMB and L2 from Waves (from my ex Windoze life) and working with theese is very easy for me. On the other hand it would be nice to have a DSP card and in that case the UAD-1 is the favorite for the price and reported quality of plugins. But I can not say nothing against the TC also- I have only good experiences with their hardware stuff (and also with their already discontinued Native Bundle of plugins) and they have perfect customer support. AND finally there is a possibility to have APA card from Waves which saves CPU so I really do not know yet...