T-RackS Stealth Limiter — Free Download

Purpose and Approach

T-RackS Stealth Limiter is designed as a final peak limiter for mastering, built to increase loudness without the audible artifacts typical of traditional compressors and limiters. Its core innovation is a smart level-tracking algorithm that continuously reduces levels below the ceiling instead of using look-ahead envelope-based compression. This keeps the perceived dynamics intact, avoiding the flatness and distortion often caused by heavy limiting.

The limiter also addresses inter-sample peaks, which can exceed the digital ceiling after digital-to-analog conversion. By predicting the converted analog waveform, it ensures the final audio rarely exceeds the set ceiling, preventing distortion on playback devices and services that use compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.

Key Capabilities

The interface is straightforward: an input knob sets loudness, and an output ceiling knob controls the final level. Four modes allow tailoring the processing. TIGHT is most neutral, preserving natural dynamics. BALANCED subtly compresses, useful when slight dynamic reduction is acceptable. HARMONICS 1 adds analog-style harmonic coloration, while HARMONICS 2 provides more grit and punch for weaker mixes.

A unity gain monitoring function lets you compare processed and unprocessed audio at equal volume, avoiding the ‘louder is better’ pitfall. An infrasonic filter (22Hz, 4th order high-pass) removes sub-bass that could overload the limiter. These features combine to offer transparent loudness control with optional tonal shaping.

Workflow and Integration

Typical use involves placing Stealth Limiter at the end of a mastering chain. You set input level to achieve desired loudness, then adjust output ceiling to ensure peak levels are safe. Use the monitoring function to check if limiting is audible; if so, reduce input or switch modes. Engage the infrasonic filter if sub-bass content is excessive.

The four modes allow different mastering scenarios: TIGHT for transparent loudness on dynamic material, BALANCED for subtle compression, HARMONICS modes for adding character while limiting. The inter-sample limiting ensures reliable playback across formats, making it suitable for preparing masters for streaming or CD.

Practical Applications

Stealth Limiter suits projects where loudness is needed without sacrificing dynamics, such as modern music production. It is effective for mastering tracks destined for lossy formats, as inter-sample peak limiting prevents conversion artifacts. The harmonic modes can give mixes an analog feel, while TIGHT mode preserves the original character for acoustic or classical music.

The straightforward controls make it accessible for mixing and mastering engineers, and its transparency allows it to be used on individual tracks or buses for peak control. Its ability to add loudness without compression artifacts makes it a reliable final stage in mastering workflows.

Key features

• Inter-sample peak limiting algorithm predicts analog waveform to avoid clipping after DAC
• Four modes: TIGHT, BALANCED, HARMONICS 1, HARMONICS 2 for varying dynamics and character
• Unity gain monitoring function for A/B comparison at equal volume
• Infrasonic filter (22Hz, 4th order high-pass) to remove sub-bass load
• Simple input level and output ceiling controls
• Preserves perceived dynamic range even at high limiting

Best for

Mastering engineers seeking transparent loudness without compression artifacts. Ideal for music requiring high loudness while maintaining dynamics, especially when preparing masters for lossy formats like MP3 or streaming, and for adding analog character via harmonic modes.