How to use a Limiter Maximizer to master or enhance a Techno or EDM Track!

1. Parameter-Driven Strategies

Threshold & Input Level

Aggressive but Transparent Loudness:

• Set the Threshold to catch the top 3-6 dB of peaks (e.g., kicks, snares, synth stabs).
• Drive the Input Level until you see 4-6 dB of gain reduction (GR) on peaks.
• Avoid pushing GR beyond 6 dB to retain dynamics.

EDM Hack:

• Use a clipper before the limiter to shave off extreme transients, letting the
  limiter focus on loudness rather than "rescue" duties.

Release Time Sync to Tempo:

• For Techno (125-140 BPM), use a release time of 20-50 ms to let kicks "bounce back" rhythmically.
  For slower, deeper grooves (e.g., melodic house), try 50-100 ms for smoother pumping.
• Avoid ultra-fast releases (<15 ms) - they risk distorting transients or dulling the kick's
  attack.
• Out Ceiling Level Streaming Safety: Set to -1 dB TP (True Peak) to prevent clipping after lossy encoding.

Club Tracks:

• Push to -0.5 dB TP for maximum loudness (club systems handle peaks better
  than streaming).

2. Genre-Specific Loudness Tricks

Preserve the Kick's Transient:

• Use the limiter's fast attack (if adjustable) or pair it with a transient designer to emphasize
  the kick's initial "click" before limiting.
• If the kick loses punch, reduce the Input Level and compensate witha post-limiter gain boost.

Bass Weight:

• EDM/Techno relies on sub-bass - if limiting squashes it, add a saturator before the limiter to add harmonics (making the bass audible at lower volumes).

Avoid Over-Squashed Highs:

• If hi-hats/cymbals sound dull post-limiting, apply a high-shelf EQ boost (1-3 dB at 8-12 kHz) before the limiter to let it preserve brightness.

3. Loudness vs. Dynamics Balance

LUFS Targets:

• EDM masters often hit -6 to -8 LUFS Integrated (competitive loudness).

Use the limiter to push loudness, but check dynamics:

• Keep Dynamic Range (DR) above 5-7 dB (use tools like Youlean Loudness Meter). Loudness Secret:
• If the mix already has strong compression/saturation, use the limiter for final 1-3 dB GR to "lift" the track
  without killing groove.

4. Workflow & Validation

Pre-Limiter Prep:

• Fix mix issues before limiting (e.g., muddy lows, harsh highs) - a limiter magnifies problems.
• Use a mid/side EQ to narrow the stereo bass (<100 Hz) and widen highs pre-limiting.

A/B Reference:

• Compare loudness and punch against tracks like Charlotte de Witte (Techno) or Martin Garrix (EDM).

Focus on:

• Kick/bass clarity post-limiting.
• High-end energy (no dullness from over-limiting). Mono Check:
• Ensure the kick and bass remain punchy in mono (critical for club playback).

5. Final Chain Example

Clipper (trim peaks) →2. EQ/Saturator (enhance harmonics) → 3. Limiter (final GR + ceiling).

Key: The limiter is the "safety net" - let earlier stages do the heavy lifting. By balancing aggressive loudness with transient preservation, your 1-band limiter can give EDM/Techno
tracks the club-ready power and streaming-safe polish they need.