Stealth Limiter by IK Multimedia mastering limiter plugin interface

Stealth Limiter: Transparent Mastering Peak Limiter by IK Multimedia

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (7 ratings)

Stealth Limiter is an ultra-transparent mastering peak limiter from IK Multimedia, designed to raise loudness while limiting inter-sample peaks and preserving dynamic range.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

IK Multimedia describes Stealth Limiter as a mastering peak limiter built to increase loudness without the audible side effects of traditional limiting and compression. Its inter-sample peak limiting algorithm aims to keep the converted analog output from exceeding the set ceiling, which matters when music is played on devices and services that use compressed formats. Four operating modes let you move from a neutral, clean sound to warmer, more analog coloration.

Best for

Final mastering limiter
Louder mixes without squashing
Analog-style mix saturation
Sub-bass cleanup before limiting
Streaming-ready loudness

Developer: IK Multimedia
Category: Limiters
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Ultra-transparent mastering peak limiter
Advanced inter-sample peak limiting algorithm
Four modes from neutral to warm analog coloration
Simple input and output ceiling controls
Unity gain monitoring for level-matched comparison
22 Hz, 4th-order infrasonic high-pass filter
Available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX plugin

03In depth

Sound and Limiting Character

Stealth Limiter works by reducing levels below the ceiling moment by moment rather than applying conventional look-ahead, envelope-based fast attack compression. The developer says this approach keeps the perceived dynamics of a mix intact at higher loudness levels.

The TIGHT mode is the default and the most neutral setting, aimed at preserving the source material's natural dynamics. BALANCED allows a small amount of dynamic compression and is only distinguishable from TIGHT at high loudness levels with extreme limiting.

HARMONICS 1 and HARMONICS 2 add harmonic coloration. HARMONICS 1 adds dimension and a more analog feel, while HARMONICS 2 adds more grit and punch for mixes that need a stronger analog boost.

Controls and Workflow

Setup is straightforward. The input knob sets the input level and drive into the limiter, and the output ceiling knob sets the output level.

A unity gain monitoring function lets you switch between processed and unprocessed audio at the same volume, which helps you judge the change in tone and dynamics rather than the difference in loudness.

An infrasonic filter, a 22 Hz fourth-order high-pass filter, can remove unwanted sub-bass that would otherwise load the limiter unnecessarily.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	IK Multimedia
Type	Plugin
Category	Limiter
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Stealth Limiter support?

Stealth Limiter is available as a 64-bit plugin in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.

Which operating systems can run Stealth Limiter?

Stealth Limiter runs on Windows and macOS. The Windows version supports VST2, VST3 and AAX, while the macOS version supports Audio Units, VST2, VST3 and AAX.

What do I need to run Stealth Limiter?

On macOS it requires 64-bit macOS 10.15 or newer, 8 GB of RAM, 9 GB of drive space and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter. On Windows it requires Windows 10 (64-bit) or newer, 8 GB of RAM, 9 GB of drive space, an ASIO compatible sound card and an OpenGL 2 compatible graphics adapter. An internet connection is also required for Custom Shop operations.