ISL 2st by NUGEN Audio true-peak limiter plugin interface

ISL 2st: True-Peak Brick-Wall Limiter by NUGEN Audio Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (8 ratings)

ISL 2st is a look-ahead brick-wall limiter from NUGEN Audio that applies true-peak limiting to stereo and mono audio. It is built for mastering, post production and loudness compliance, with metering for steering and ducking.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS32-bit only

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

ISL 2st is an effects plugin in the limiter category, aimed at producers who need their final output controlled at the true-peak level. It uses a look-ahead design, so the limiter can react before peaks arrive. Its true-peak detection includes an Apple 'Mastered for iTunes' option, and its algorithms are intended for music and post production work. The plugin is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Mastering final output
Loudness compliance
Broadcast and post production
Podcast and streaming delivery
Protecting codec conversion
Master bus limiting

Developer: NUGEN Audio
Category: Limiters
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Look-ahead brick-wall limiter for stereo and mono content
True-peak limiting with Apple 'Mastered for iTunes' detection
Compatible with ITU-R BS.1770 loudness standards
Adjustable look-ahead and channel linking
Two-stage, non-linear adaptive limiting algorithm
Steering and ducking meters for limiting visualisation
Accurate I/O metering with direct numeric maxima
Multiple diagnostic listen modes

03In depth

True-Peak Limiting and Loudness Compliance

NUGEN Audio describes ISL 2st as a limiter designed to handle true-peak compliance so you can work on creative production without repeatedly adjusting a sample-peak limiter. You set the true-peak limit and the plugin controls the output.

The developer says it is compatible with ITU-R BS.1770 and lists a range of loudness recommendations, including EBU R128, ATSC A/85 and ARIB TR-B32. It also states that the limiter is intended to reduce the risk of distortion from downstream codec conversion such as mp3 or AAC when used on the master bus.

Metering and Controls for Limiting Decisions

ISL 2st includes steering and ducking meters that show how the limiter is responding to the signal. These readings are intended to help you keep directional information or atmospheric ambience intact while limiting.

The plugin offers adjustable look-ahead, adjustable channel linking and a two-stage, non-linear adaptive algorithm. It also includes accurate I/O metering with direct numeric maxima and adjustable ballistics with colour splits, along with multiple diagnostic listen modes.

04Specs