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. 
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.