The loudest, most transparent peak limiter for mastering available. The Stealth Limiter is an ultra-transparent peak limiter for mastering. It is a versatile and sonic ninja of mixing and mastering tools, which features an advanced inter-sample peak limiting algorithm that allows you to increase the loudness of your mixes while keeping the sound clean, full of dynamics and depth. T-Racks Stealth Limiter is your new peak limiter of choice when you want impressive loudness without the side effects of traditional processors.
In recent decades we have seen the volume of audio produced rise to alarming levels. The volume of mixed and mastered audio has become a standard requirement in contemporary music production. This quest for volume has had its price - to achieve a competitive loudness level, producers and engineers have employed extreme compression and limiting methods which, despite making the mix louder, also cause residual distortion, sonic flattening and a general loss of emotion. . When used heavily, these processors flatten the dynamics of the song and cut out much of the magic and emotion between the different sections of a song. Our goal is to provide a new type of processor for the final peak limiting stage of the mastering process that is capable of pulling volume while conserving more of the perceived dynamic range than other limiters and compressors.
At a basic level, the T-RackS Stealth Limiter provides an impressive increase in volume without the discernible effects of compression. Simply put, it's the most transparent, loudest and cleanest peak limiter mastering software available. And this is all thanks to its intelligent volume tracking algorithm. It works under the hood, reducing volumes below the ceiling moment by moment rather than applying traditional look-ahead envelope-based fast attack compressions. This algorithm doesn't sound like a compressor, because it's not a compressor! The T-RackS Stealth Limiter algorithm tracks volume and keeps it under control while simultaneously preserving perceived dynamics.
In traditional mastering processes, it is normal to push the volume level up to -0.1 dB or even the 0.0 dB ceiling. Peaks above this ceiling are suppressed with hard limiters or clippers. So far these methods only ensure a stable digital volume, but they do not guarantee distortion-free playback since the music is encoded to analog signal. This is because the playback process involves a number of conversion processes that, despite the digital wave being below 0.0 dB, can generate an analog wave that exceeds the threshold and introduces unwanted distortion and noise.
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter features an inter-sample peak limiting algorithm that eliminates this problem by predicting the analog wave converted from the digital source. Through this process it manages to limit the sound in a way that ensures that the converted audio practically never exceeds the configured limit. This is very useful in the modern era where music is almost always listened to on different devices and services that deliver their music in compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.
Using the T-RackS Stealth Limiter couldn't be easier. It features straightforward controls and intuitive features that let you apply its powerful processing to your mixes quickly and effectively. Just turn the input knob to set the input level to the desired volume, then adjust the output level with its output ceiling knob. Want to take things further? Don't worry, we are with you...
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter gives you a suite of advanced controls that are tailored for fine-tuning. It features 4 modes that can be used for different mastering purposes:
This is the default mode of the T-RackS Stealth Limiter, and also the most neutral. It respects the sonic nature of the source material as much as possible. Even when set to the highest limitation, music will never sound compressed or “choked”. With this setting, you can increase the volume while keeping any effect on timbre and dynamics neutral.
As its name suggests, this is more balanced processing that can be used when a small amount of dynamic compression is acceptable or desired. The difference between this mode and TIGHT is so subtle that the two can only be distinguished at high volumes and with extreme limitations.
Although designed to be ultra-transparent, the T-RackS Stealth Limiter can also be used in this mode to add harmonic coloration and sonic richness to processed audio. When turned on it imparts a sense of dimension and pleasing coloration to your mix that will make it sound more analog.
Similar to HARMONICS 1, this mode is also used to add a bit of sonic character. The difference however is that HARMONICS 2 allows you to add a bit of texture and energy when you feel your music is weak or needs more boost with an analogue character.
In addition to these modes, you also have an on-board unity gain monitoring function that allows you to listen to your processed mix without the volume increase generated. This makes it easy to compare processed and unprocessed audio so you can be sure to avoid the “louder is better” trap.
The T-RackS Stealth Limiter also comes with an infrasonic filter (fourth-order high-pass filter at 22Hz) that can be engaged to cut out unwanted sub-bass frequencies from your mix that could place excessive workload on your limiting.
Combine these advanced functions with the T-RackS Stealth Limiter's ability to transparently add volume to the mix, and you have the secret weapon of mastering tools you'll find yourself turning to again and again.
