How to use a Multiband Limiter to master or enhance a Techno or EDM track!
Here are tailored mastering tips for your Multiband Limiter when working with EDM/Techno,
organized to align with your plugin's parameters and genre-specific needs:
1. Frequency Band-Specific Strategies
- Low Band (20-150 Hz): Threshold: Set slightly higher to avoid squashing the kick/bass transients. Let the limiter act only on extreme peaks.
- Range: Use moderate settings (-3 to -6 dB) to preserve punch while controlling sub-bass buildup.
- Release: Sync to track tempo (e.g., 50-150 ms) to let the kick "breathe" rhythmically. Faster releases risk losing weight; slower ones may muddy the low end.
- Mid Bands (150 Hz-2 kHz & 2 kHz -6 kHz):
- Threshold: Tighter settings here to clamp down on harsh synths or vocal sibilance.
- Gain: Boost post-limiting to restore clarity in leads/pads without adding distortion.
- Release: Use faster releases (20-50 ms) for transient mids (plucks, claps), slower (50-100 ms) for sustained elements. High Band (6 kHz -20 kHz):
- Range: Apply gentle limiting (-2 to -4 dB) to tame harsh hi-hats or aliasing.
- Output Ceiling: Set to -0.5 dB TP (True Peak) to prevent clipping on streaming platforms.
2. Global Parameter Tips
- Input Level: Drive the input until each band shows consistent but moderate gain reduction (1-3 dB). Avoid pushing too hard-EDM needs dynamics for energy.
- Output Ceiling: Leave headroom (-0.5 to -1 dB TP) for lossy encoding. Use ISP (Intersample
Peak) detection if available. - Gain Staging: Ensure the input isn't clipping before hitting the limiter. Use a trim plugin prelimiter if needed.
3. Genre-Specific Workflows
- Kick/Bass Balance: Use the low band's Range to duck sub-bass slightly when the kick hits, creating sidechain-like punch without a compressor.
- Midrange Energy: If synths feel buried, apply a small gain boost in the mid bands post- limiting to enhance presence.
- High-End Sparkle: Limit harsh highs subtly, then add a shelving
- EQ after the limiter (if needed) to brighten safely.
4. Loudness & Dynamics
- LUFS Targets: Aim for -8 to -6 LUFS integrated (EDM's competitive edge), but prioritize punch over loudness.
- Use the Output Ceiling to cap peaks while letting the limiter handlesustained levels.
- Avoid Over-Limiting: If transients (e.g., snare, kick) sound flat, reduce Range in the affected band or ease the Threshold.
5. Validation & Referencing
- A/B with References: Compare your limited track against pro EDM/Techno tracks.
- Focus on low-end punch and high-end clarity.
- Mono Check: Ensure bass and kick remain solid in mono (critical for club systems).
- Dynamic Range Meter: Keep DR above 6-8 dB to retain groove.
6. Final Chain Recommendation
Place your multiband limiter last in the chain (after EQ, compression, and saturation). Use it to:
- Tame peaks per frequency range.
- Glue the mix with subtle gain adjustments.
- Safeguard output levels for streaming/club play.
- By balancing surgical control with genre-driven intuition, your limiter can elevate EDM/
Techno masters with both power and clarity.