Introducing the T-RackS Stealth Limiter, an ultra-transparent mastering peak limiter available now in the T-RackS Custom Shop. A versatile secret weapon for mixing and mastering, it allows producers and engineers to boost the volume of a mix while maintaining a clean sound with plenty of dynamic range and sonic headroom.
Introducing the T-RackS Stealth Limiter, an ultra-transparent mastering peak limiter available now in the T-RackS Custom Shop. A versatile secret weapon for mixing and mastering, it allows producers and engineers to boost the volume of a mix while maintaining a clean sound with plenty of dynamic range and sonic headroom.
Sonic integrity at higher dBs — Dynamic, transparent and loud
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter is a new type of processor for the final peak limiting stage of the mastering process. The last few decades have seen the volume levels of produced audio increase at an alarming rate. The volume of mixed and mastered audio material has become a de facto standard for contemporary music production. To achieve a competitive volume level, producers and engineers have had to employ extreme compression and limiting methods that, despite making a mix louder, also cause residual distortion, flat sound, and the loss of all emotion. The T-RackS Stealth Limiter has been designed to prevent the harmful effects of extreme compression and limiting by retaining sonic clarity and dynamics while achieving the desired volume level — something other limiters and compressors simply cannot do.
A stealthy weapon
An impressive increase in volume without the perceptible effects of compression — it is a dream come true. Simply put, it is the most transparent, clear and loud mastering peak limiter software available, and it is capable of providing this thanks to its intelligent level-tracking algorithm. It acts like a sonic ninja, reducing levels below the maximum volume limit moment by moment, rather than applying traditional fast-attack compression based on pre-analysis of the envelope. It does not sound like a compressor because it isn't one.
Intersample algorithm
The secret to the T-RackS Stealth Limiter's invisibility lies in its intersample peak limiting algorithm. This works differently than traditional mastering processes that suppress peaks above the volume limit using hard limiters and clippers. These traditional processes are only capable of ensuring a stable digital level; they do not guarantee distortion-free reproduction once the music goes through the conversion process, which can create an analog waveform that exceeds the threshold and introduces unwanted distortion.
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter's intersample peak limiting algorithm solves this problem by predicting the converted analog waveform from the digital source. It ensures that the final converted audio will rarely exceed the set maximum limit. The result? Full volume, but without any perceptible loss of dynamic range. This is particularly useful considering that modern music is listened to on different devices and services that use compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.
Easy to use and extremely versatile
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter features simple controls and intuitive features that make using it a quick and easy process. Its input knob can be used to set the desired volume, and its output limit knob can be used to adjust the output level. And, for more advanced uses, it comes with 4 different operating modes for precise adjustments.
The basic mode is TIGHT. This offers neutral limiting that respects the natural sonic dynamics of the source material as it increases volume. The BALANCED mode offers a similar level of transparency, although it introduces a small amount of dynamic compression. HARMONICS 1 can be used when a little more color is required. When used, it imparts a sense of dimension and pleasant coloration that can make a mix sound and feel more analog. And finally, HARMONICS 2 can be used when more sonic character is desired. It can offer a deep boost of rigid and punchy analog character.
In addition to its various modes, the T-RackS Stealth Limiter also comes equipped with an infrasonic filter that can be used to cut unwanted sub-bass frequencies that could otherwise place an excessive workload on the limiter. Easy monitoring is provided by its onboard gain-match monitoring function, which allows for quick comparison between processed audio with or without the volume boost.
T-RackS Custom Shop — A one-stop studio shop
T-RackS Custom Shop for Mac/PC is a DAW plugin and standalone application that gives producers, engineers, and musicians 24/7 access to some of the most coveted studio production gear of all time. Once installed, you can browse, audition, and purchase its massive collection of high-quality processing plugins for mixing and mastering. Each model can be tested individually as a fully functional demo for a period of 14 days. The gear can be purchased individually or in bundles, either with money ($ or €) or with Custom Shop Gear Credits.
Price and availability
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter is available now via the IK online store and T-RackS Custom Shop for only $/€124.99* (or 125 Gear Credits).
*All prices exclude taxes
