The "right" use of Peak Limiter Plugins (busses and master channel)

Hi!
I'm using the "L2 Ultramaximizer" Peak Limiter Plugin by WAVES. I insert it on every bus to make sure I don't get clipping (using output ceiling values ranging from -0.2 to -0.7 dB).
I also use its threshold fader when I want to get a louder signal.

Now, I also have the "L2 Ultramaximizer" on the master channel. I'm wondering whether that's a good idea, having the plugin on the individual busses AND on the master channel?

I don't know if this approach could cause something funny...

Personally but everyone else might be different.... I would be using it on a master bus or perhaps a drum bus too catch rouge peaks not on every channel

Thanks for the input, all of you!

The reason why I started using the "L2 Ultramaximizer" on multiple busses was that in the past I always thought that my recordings weren't loud enough on certain parts (at least compared to all the high budget productions I listen to).
And yes, I know that many of those high budget albums are ridiculously compressed (but that could make for a separate thread altogether...).

So, generally you're recommending not to use it on that many busses, because - apart from making the signal louder via compression - it shapes the sound, not in a good way I assume?

Regards

@ Iron Keys:

Thanks! So if I understand this correctly, you leave every track below 0dB output, except for the master bus and only insert a limiter on that master bus? And on the master bus you're also not making use of the limiter's threshold function?

So I assume you achieve an increase in perceived loudness only via clever EQing?

Sorry, so many questions...

@ mike_mccue:

Okay, I have no idea what that's supposed to mean...

 It's a way of suggesting that you read about SPL meters and calibrating your play back system so that you know what just-less-than 0dBFS on your DAW should sound like.
 When you get used to listening at a consistent sound level... you can mix to that level in the DAW and your results will become more consistent. As that happens you will probably find less need for limiters on each track or bus or what have you.




 Also, if you have a moment... read up about look ahead limiters and how a DAW works with them. You may, or may not, form an opinion that it's less than best practice to stack multiple instances of look ahead effects in series.
 I do it a lot, I stack a convolution reverb and a look ahead limiter and a phase liner EQ in series, but when I do I regard the patch as ambitious and fragile and I treat the DAW carefully once I get to that final mixing phase of a project.


 all the best,
mike

Ace.trouble


@ Iron Keys:

Thanks! So if I understand this correctly, you leave every track below 0dB output, except for the master bus and only insert a limiter on that master bus? And on the master bus you're also not making use of the limiter's threshold function?

So I assume you achieve an increase in perceived loudness only via clever EQing?

Sorry, so many questions...

Don't worry, my brother, it's all good - I have been racking my brain and questioning the hell out of everything for ages. Still many questions I have, but still a far way I have came!




What I'm saying is, say your meter goes from 0db all the way to -60 db, don't let anything peak more than halfway between the two. Bus things to relevant buses, so perhaps Drums, Bass, Backing, Lead, Vocals. Keep these peaking halfway-ish.




On your buses, use compression to 'gel' things together, and perhaps subtle eq. 


Compression on your busses, as well as 'gelling' things together, it also gives the track more 'power', but compress correctly, so that you're helping the dynamics of the track.


On my master bus I have a L2 (Actually changed to an L3 recently, but usually an L2) and I have the ceiling at -0.2db, threshold stays at 0.

Sometimes when I'm producing I'll pull the threshold down, not to induce any gain reduction, but just because I can't be bothered to turn my monitors up. But when it comes time for mixing, I don't do a thing to my master bus.

The only things I limit are drums.



If the signals you're having aren't registering high, just increase the gain(or trim) on the top of each channel, or turn up the master output of your VST's etc.


The whole 'peaking less than halfway' is a tip I picked up from a couple pro engineers I have shadowed. My mixes have sounded better since doing this.


much love.