The MClass Maximizer

This is a loudness maximizer, a special type of limiter which can significantly raise the perceived loudness of a mix without risk of hard clipping distortion. Features include a 4 ms look ahead function for “brick wall” limiting and a Soft Clip function.

The MClass Maximizer should be used as an insert effect, and is designed to be placed at the end of the signal chain between the mixed final output and the Hardware Interface.

Parameters

| Parameter	| Description
Input Gain	The Input Gain sets the basic volume of a mix. If this is set very high, you should use Look Ahead mode or the Soft Clip function to eliminate the risk of hard clipping distortion. Range: ±12 dB.
Limiter On/Off	This turns the Limiter section on or off.
Look Ahead On/Off	If activated, this will introduce a very short delay (4 ms) to the signal. This delay is used to detect peaks in the signal before they actually occur. If high peaks are detected the limiter is “ready for them” and gain reduction is applied to transparently control the peaks.
Attack (Fast/Mid/Slow)	This governs how quickly the Limiter will apply its effect. If set to Fast with Look Ahead activated (and the Output Gain is set to 0 dB) you will get “brick wall” limiting - no signal peaks over 0 dB will pass.
Release (Fast/Slow/Auto)	This determines how long it takes before the Limiter lets the sound through unaffected. If Auto is activated, the Release time will automatically adapt to the program material.
Output Gain	This controls the output gain and should normally be set to 0 dB.
Soft Clip On/Off	If this is activated, it also acts a 0 dB brick wall limiter but in a slightly different way. The signal will be “soft-clipped” which adds a pleasant, warm sounding distortion to the signal. It can be used simply to get this effect, or as a safeguard against hard clipping distortion if Look Ahead with Mid or Slow attack settings are used (or if Look Ahead is deactivated).
Soft Clip Amount	This controls the amount of soft-clipping distortion. Note that if Soft Clip is on but the Amount is set to zero, the distortion will be like hard clipping, and thus less pleasing to the ear.
Output level meter (Peak/VU)	This is a more detailed meter than found on the mixer. You can switch the meter characteristics between Peak (faster response to peaks) and VU mode (average levels).