Waves L2 Ultramaximizer

WAVES L2 ULTRAMAXIMIZER - Mastering-Grade Peak Limiter | The Industry Standard for Ultimate Volume Maximization and Mastering

The Waves L2 Ultramaximizer is recognized worldwide as one of the most legendary mastering tools in recording studios and post-production facilities. With its classic combination of look-ahead brickwall peak limiting, precise level maximization, and ultra-high-resolution audio processing, it has defined the final loudness and dynamics for countless best-selling records. Whether you are putting the final touches on a mix or performing professional mastering, the L2 delivers unparalleled clarity and punch, making it an indispensable key plugin in your workflow.

The core value of this plugin lies in its simple, efficient operation and exceptional sound quality. From the mix bus to the final master output, the Waves L2 Ultramaximizer provides industry-standard peak limiting, ensuring your audio is boosted in loudness without ever introducing digital clipping distortion. Additionally, it features Waves' top-tier IDR™ (Increased Digital Resolution) dithering and noise-shaping algorithms, allowing you to preserve the maximum detail and depth of the original audio when converting high-resolution files to 16-bit or 24-bit formats, making it the ultimate solution for digital distribution and CD mastering.

Core Advantages & Use Cases

Legendary Sound Quality & Transparency
The L2 combines look-ahead brickwall peak limiting technology with a precise level maximization algorithm to effectively increase the overall loudness of a track without sacrificing its dynamics and clarity. Its sonic transparency and musicality have made it an industry benchmark.

Minimalist & Efficient Workflow
Optimized for mastering and bus applications, the L2 features an extremely simple interface. With just two main parameters—Threshold and Output Ceiling—you can easily control volume boost and peak protection, allowing you to focus on listening rather than complex settings.

Top-Tier Dither & Noise Shaping
Featuring Waves' exclusive IDR™ technology, it utilizes 48-bit double-precision processing and a ninth-order noise-shaping algorithm. It offers three modes (Moderate, Normal, Ultra) to suit different music genres, from classical to rock, ensuring maximum fidelity when converting bit depth.

Essential for High-Resolution Audio Production
As 32-bit floating-point processing becomes mainstream, losslessly converting audio to 24-bit or 16-bit for distribution is crucial. The L2 perfectly supports conversion from high-resolution audio to standard 24-bit, 22-bit, 20-bit, and 16-bit formats, making it an ideal tool for modern production workflows.

Technical Specifications (Tech Specs)

• Plugin Type: Peak Limiter, Maximizer
• Processing Precision: 48-bit Double Precision
• Channel Format: Stereo
• Dithering Technology: Waves IDR™ (Increased Digital Resolution)
• Noise Shaping Algorithm: Ninth-order
• Noise Shaping Modes: 3 (Moderate, Normal, Ultra)
• Target Bit Depth Output: 24-bit, 22-bit, 20-bit, 16-bit
• Latency: Includes look-ahead processing delay, specific value depends on the sample rate
• Release Control: Manual release time adjustment