Stealth Limiter
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About this plugin
IK Multimedia's Stealth Limiter addresses a fundamental problem in modern mastering: achieving competitive loudness without the perceptual side effects of traditional peak limiting. The plugin employs an inter-sample peak detection algorithm that differs meaningfully from conventional look-ahead envelope-based approaches. Rather than applying broad compression across frequency content, it performs moment-to-moment level reduction specifically targeting peaks that would exceed your ceiling, preserving the dynamic envelope of material between these transient events.
This technical distinction yields audible results. Where standard limiters audibly clamp dynamics and introduce harmonic distortion artifacts, Stealth Limiter maintains measurable headroom in perceived dynamic range while still achieving substantial loudness increases. The sonic character remains notably clean across the frequency spectrum, with minimal pump or modulation coloration even under heavy limiting.
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The tool suits mastering engineers working across genres where transparency matters - electronic music, jazz, classical, and acoustic work particularly benefit from its approach. However, it proves equally valuable in final mix bus processing for any engineer seeking loudness without the flatness that typically accompanies aggressive peak control.
Positioned within a crowded field of mastering limiters, Stealth Limiter occupies a specific niche: those prioritizing sonic integrity over maximum output levels. It won't hit hardest on a loudness meter compared to more aggressive algorithms, but engineers consistently report preference for its sound quality in critical listening scenarios. The interface remains straightforward, avoiding unnecessary parameters that would obscure its core function. For mastering chains where transparency is non-negotiable, Stealth Limiter merits serious consideration.