ZL Limiter
Key Features
- Dual-envelope limiting separates transient peaks from sustained gain reduction
- Optional true peak limiting and up to 32x oversampling
- Lookahead and adaptive recovery controls for the main peak envelope
- Attack and release controls for sustained limiting
- Stereo Delta control adjusts the difference in channel gain reduction
- Scrolling waveform, loudness readings and delta audition for monitoring
Description
ZL Limiter is a true peak limiter from ZL Audio for controlling peaks and shaping loudness on individual tracks, buses, or a final mix. Its dual-envelope design combines a main peak stage with a support envelope for sustained material, giving you separate ways to adjust transient response and longer-term gain reduction.
Lookahead and adaptive recovery govern the main stage, while attack and release shape the support envelope. Stereo Delta sets the permitted difference in gain reduction between channels, helping you balance stereo stability against independent channel response.
The interface brings a scrolling waveform together with input, output, and gain-reduction curves and loudness readouts. Delta audition lets you hear what limiting removes, and linked input and output gain makes it easier to compare processing at a compensated level.
Optional true peak limiting addresses inter-sample peaks, and oversampling reaches up to 32x. Higher settings use more CPU; the developer recommends 4x for fine-tuning and rendering, with higher rates available if artifacts remain audible.
ZL Audio distributes the plugin as free and open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its installation page offers architecture-specific builds and recommends the AVX2 version on compatible processors; the first release is new, so test it in your own sessions before relying on it for critical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Stereo Delta control?
It sets the maximum permitted difference in gain reduction between channels. This lets you adjust how closely the stereo channels follow each other.
What does the support envelope do?
It maintains attenuation across sustained material and closely spaced peaks. Its attack and release controls shape the longer-term gain reduction independently of the main peak stage.
Which oversampling setting should I use?
The developer recommends 4x for fine-tuning and rendering, and higher rates if artifacts remain audible. Higher oversampling increases CPU use.
Is ZL Limiter open source?
Yes. ZL Audio distributes the plugin under AGPLv3, with exceptions for the developer and product logos.
