Dave Gamble is a well-known plugin developer whose approach to creating audio tools focuses on delivering products that aim to be the best at their specific tasks. His previous works, such as the Equilibrium equalizer and Compassion compressor, are widely regarded as some of the most comprehensive plugins in their categories. Now, Gamble has turned his attention to mastering limiters with the creation of DMG Audio’s Limitless. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to create the ultimate plugin mastering limiter.

At first, designing a mastering limiter might not seem as complex as creating an advanced equalizer or a versatile compressor. After all, the primary function of a mastering limiter is to make mixes as loud as possible with minimal side effects. Many limiters feature basic controls like threshold or gain, making them straightforward to use. However, DMG Audio’s Limitless is far more sophisticated, offering a wealth of options and customization features that set it apart from typical limiters.

Multi-Stage Processing for Maximum Control

Mastering engineers often apply more than one stage of processing to achieve the best results. A basic output limiter may work for quick reference mixes, but for mastering, multiple stages of dynamic control are often necessary. Limitless reflects this advanced approach by including three distinct processing stages, all of which are highly configurable.

The first stage is designed to allow transient events, like drum hits, to pass through while managing dynamic variation with slower attack and release settings. This helps maintain the natural punch of the mix without excessive compression. The second stage focuses on squashing these transients, working in conjunction with Limitless’s third processing element: a soft-clip stage that precedes the limiter. This soft-clip stage can emulate several different types of clipping, offering users the ability to choose the most appropriate sound for their mix.

Additionally, Limitless can operate as a full-bandwidth limiter or across multiple frequency bands (up to six). This multi-band processing allows for more natural-sounding results by limiting certain frequencies without affecting others. For example, if a mix has loud peaks in specific frequency ranges, the limiter can focus on controlling those peaks without compromising the rest of the spectrum. This level of precision ensures that the plugin delivers a polished, professional sound.

A User-Friendly Interface with Deep Control

While the range of options in plugins like Compassion or Equilibrium can sometimes feel overwhelming, Limitless manages to present its power within an intuitive user interface. By default, the plugin opens in a small window that displays only the most essential controls: Threshold, Ceiling, and Release settings, along with the output meters. However, the window can be resized, and clicking on an icon in the plugin toolbar reveals additional parameters for those who want more control.

The central section of the interface visualizes the crossover settings for the frequency bands, as well as the effect of any limiting on the input signal. One particularly useful feature is the time view, which shows the input signal as a scrolling waveform. In this view, green sections highlight areas where the limiter is active, while red lines indicate the level of gain reduction. This real-time feedback allows users to see exactly how much limiting is taking place and where it’s happening in the mix.

Another visualization option is the FFT-style display, which shows an instantaneous plot of peak levels across the frequency spectrum. When the limiter applies gain reduction in specific bands, those areas of the graph turn a lighter shade of blue. This interface makes it easy to understand how the plugin is working, whether you prefer to look at the waveform or frequency spectrum.

For users who need to hit specific peak loudness targets, Limitless also offers a scrolling histogram in addition to the LUFS readout. This makes it simple to track loudness levels throughout the entire session and ensure compliance with standards for streaming platforms or broadcasting.

Customizable Limiting Styles

Limitless offers several preset limiting styles, such as “punchy,” “transparent,” “aggressive,” and “smooth,” each designed for different musical needs. However, users can dive deeper into the plugin by selecting a preset style and adjusting its parameters or by choosing the manual style for full control. Advanced controls include settings for lookahead, knee, and release shape, as well as Dynamics, which adjusts how much work is done by the transient limiter versus the peak limiter. This level of customization ensures that Limitless can adapt to any project, making it one of the most versatile limiters on the market.

Clipping Options for Enhanced Loudness

Limitless also provides multiple clipping options that allow users to add harmonic distortion for increased perceived loudness. There are three different clipping modes: two “swell” options that add third-harmonic distortion and a “knee” option that ranges from hard clipping to softer, more natural clipping. Users can mix in the dry signal for parallel processing and adjust Drive and Trim controls to fine-tune the clipping effect.

Conclusion

DMG Audio’s Limitless plugin offers mastering engineers and producers unparalleled control over the limiting process. With its multi-stage processing, soft-clipping capabilities, and advanced visual feedback, it stands out as one of the most comprehensive mastering limiters available. Whether you’re working on subtle dynamic control or pushing your mix to extreme loudness levels, Limitless provides the tools to achieve professional results. The intuitive interface makes it accessible, while the extensive customization options ensure that users can fine-tune every aspect of the limiting process. This plugin is an essential addition to any mastering toolkit, offering both power and flexibility to meet the demands of modern audio production.