17. Multiple limiters

If your mixing skills are more advanced than most, try stacking up a custom chain of limiting plugins for a more powerful, controlled sound. Instead of using one limiting plugin to tackle all the heavy lifting, distribute the workload across two or three complementary limiters. Around 1dB of peak reduction (via a clipper) is usually a good starting point, and will smooth out levels in preparation for the next stage of limiting.

Each limiter has a slightly different sound and effect depending on the signal in question. Waves’ L2, for example, has a smooth, ‘round’ sound which can suit tracks with overly spiky, harsh transients.