Best PT LE Mastering Compressor/Limiter if Waves is not available?

[GrievousAngel]

Hello All,

If Waves plug-ins are not avilable, what LE plug-in would you recommned for smoothing out a final mix, increase the percieved loudness and placing sound image close to your 'face'? Should I buy one not included in LE? Note that these recordings will be sent to a mastering studio.

A hip-hop fan was asking me and I only have experience with Waves plug-ins such as the L2.

Thanks,

[elmostephane]

L2 isn't a compressor.

Waves stuff definitely isn't the greatest.

Try Cytomic The glue as your master buss compressor. One of the best plug out there...

[BradLyons]

IMHO the best is the McDSP ML4000.....absolutely an amazing plugin no matter how you use it!

[Richardflea]

Purely from word-of-mouth and reading other threads, it seems to me that the "Big Three" as it were, are Waves, McDSP and possibly Sonnox.

[albee1952]

PSP Xenon is also worth a look

[GrievousAngel]

Right elmostephane, L2 isn't a compressor, that's why my thread title was called '. . . Compressor/Limiter . . . '. It's what I call a 'Look-Ahead' limiter/leveling device + to dither or not to dither tool usually for final mixes, etc. I seriously doubt it's the best also! It's just what I had in reach usually.

I will rememberr to 'dot my eyes and cross my teeth' next time!

Take care,

[Richardflea]

While 10:1 is regarded as limiting, 20:1 is more associated with brickwalling

[RiF]

Originally Posted by GrievousAngel

Note that these recordings will be sent to a mastering studio.

If the mix is going to a mastering studio anyway, I would stay away from anything on the master bus.

[ondruspat]

Might want to try the Massey L2007....

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by RiF

If the mix is going to a mastering studio anyway, I would stay away from anything on the master bus.

+1000 Meanwhile, when I have to do it in house, I use Waves L2 after a few other plugins and followed by dither(which L2 can do, but.....). That's enough of my secrets In any case, ALL the mentioned products can do the job, so it really comes down to preference/skill with what's available(heck, some swear by T-racks, even though I hated it)