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TDR Limiter 6 GE
Let’s look at TDR Limiter 6 GE – a semi-modular compression and limiting toolkit for mixing and mastering. This plugin is a ground-up remake of the popular Limiter No. 6 and boasts six specialized modules that can be arranged in any order to cover a range of applications (that’s why it’s in our best of limiters list).
From delicate loudness control to brutal brick-walling, this plugin can greatly increase the perceived loudness of a mix while preserving superior musical fidelity and punch.
Key Features | |
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In the test
User Interface
The six modules included in Limiter 6 GE are Dynamics Compressor, Clipper, High-Frequency Limiter, Peak Limiter, Output Protection Limiter, and True Peak and EBU Loudness Meter.
Each module offers dedicated control over different types of events and allows the user to determine the signal path.
With its appealing visual aesthetic, the advanced true peak and EBU R128 compliant loudness metering section provides a detailed insight into the signal’s dynamics.
The equal loudness bypass also ensures that the user’s aural perception isn’t tricked by any loudness differences.
Performance
The dynamics compressor applies gain reduction up to a ratio of 10:1, with an attack range of 1-500ms and release from 50ms to 2s.
The knee is adaptive and sharpens as the ratio increases, with three operational modes yielding their own response styles.
The high-frequency limiter applies shelving EQ and gain reduction only to the portion of the signal above a specified frequency.
The peak limiter offers a choice of brickwall and non-brickwall modes, with three lookahead settings for balancing transient fidelity and artifact reduction. The multiband setting activates three dynamically modulated frequency-specific limiters for remarkable transparency and “true brickwall behaviour.”
The clipper is the fastest of the four modules and boasts three distinct modes: Brickwall, Open, and LF Clip.
The output module is a final protection limiter that operates in True Peak or dBFS mode, with a ceiling range of -6 to 6dB. The metering section brings together peak and loudness metering, with Momentary, Short Term, and Integrated RMS measurement settings.
Expanding on Limiter 6 GE’s default linked stereo setting, the four modules can be individually switched to TDR’s Stereo + Wide mode.
This is essentially a mid/side signal routing presented as Stereo/Stereo width, with separate controls for the full stereo and sides signals. The metering in Stereo + Wide mode switches from combined stereo to showing the Stereo and Width channels in two shades of blue.
System Requirements | |
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Windows
Mac
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All in All
In conclusion, TDR Limiter 6 GE is a magnificent mixing and mastering tool that any desktop producer should aim to have in their plugins folder.
With its versatile and powerful capabilities, this plugin is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance the loudness and musicality of their mixes.
The only potential snag is the learning curve, but with a collection of sensible starting points and a wide range of options, the user can quickly achieve optimal settings for their needs.
With its appealing price point, it’s hard to justify paying more for bigger-name equivalents.
Hey I’m Tom, I’m a mastering engineer here at Audio Unity Group. I mostly look after Vinyl production and audio side of things. I hold a bachelor’s degree with honours from Kingston University in London. I love audio and helping others create outstanding-sounding records.
