Waves L3 Multimaximizer

Waves L3 Multimaximizer | The Ultimate 5-Band Mastering & Volume Maximization Tool

The reason the Waves L3 Multimaximizer has been the top choice for mastering engineers for over a decade is its masterful integration of a 5-band parametric EQ, linear-phase crossovers, transparent dynamic control, and bit-depth conversion into an exemplary mastering chain. Based on Waves' proprietary Peak Limiting Mixer™ (PLM™) technology, this plugin offers deep control over dynamics and frequency response, allowing you to shape your final master exactly as you envision it. Whether you're aiming for extreme loudness or subtle dynamics, the L3 can precisely achieve your goals.

The L3 Multimaximizer is not just a limiter; it's a powerful sound-shaping tool. Its unique PLM™ technology, unlike traditional multiband limiters, treats the five bands as a cohesive whole, intelligently allocating attenuation between them as needed. The result is unparalleled volume and clarity. This allows the L3 to effectively increase overall loudness when processing complex audio masters, while avoiding the inter-band artifacts common with traditional multiband limiters. Whether you're in music production, post-production mixing, or broadcast-level mastering, the L3 provides industry-standard peak limiting and spectral control, ensuring your work sounds professional and impactful on any playback system.

Key Advantages & Use Cases

Natural and Transparent Volume Maximization
Unlike traditional multiband limiters, Waves' Peak Limiting Mixer™ technology treats the five bands as a single, cohesive unit, intelligently allocating attenuation to each band as needed. The result is: a significant boost in volume without sacrificing clarity.

Intelligent Adaptive Release Control
The built-in adaptive release algorithm and multiple release characteristic curves allow you to choose the most suitable processing character for your material—from extremely transparent to highly aggressive, effectively avoiding pumping, breathing, or other unnatural artifacts.

Linear-Phase EQ: Unparalleled Sonic Advantage
The L3's Linear-Phase Crossovers completely eliminate phase distortion, delivering an extremely transparent high-frequency response and superior sonic accuracy. This is why many engineers use the L3 not just for dynamic control, but also as a high-quality mastering-grade equalizer.

Precise Band Separation Control
You can freely adjust the separation between frequency bands. Completely separate the bands for maximum independent control, or reduce the separation to allow the energy of one band to influence adjacent bands, creating a more cohesive sound. You can even eliminate separation entirely, turning the L3 into a full-range limiter with linear-phase EQ functionality.

Fully Prepared for Digital Distribution (IDR™ Technology)
The built-in Increased Digital Resolution (IDR) module offers two dithering options, three noise-shaping algorithms, and supports conversion to 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24-bit resolution, providing the highest quality preparation for your digital releases.

Multiple Versions: Including Simplified and Low-Latency Options
In addition to the full-featured L3 Multimaximizer plugin, the Waves catalog also includes the more streamlined L3 Ultramaximizer plugin, as well as "LL" (Low-Latency) versions for live mixing and other latency-sensitive scenarios, available for both the Multimaximizer and Ultramaximizer models.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Type: Multiband Peak Limiter & Linear-Phase EQ
• Number of Bands: 5 adjustable parametric bands
• Core Technology: Waves Peak Limiting Mixer™ (PLM™)
• Crossover Type: Linear-Phase Crossovers
• Release Control: Adaptive Release with multiple characteristic curves
• Dithering: 2 options (Type 1, Type 2)
• Noise Shaping: 3 algorithms (Moderate, Normal, Ultra)
• Bit-Depth Conversion: Supports output to 16, 18, 20, 22, 24-bit
• Included Versions: L3 Multimaximizer, L3 Ultramaximizer, L3-LL Multimaximizer, L3-LL Ultramaximizer
• Latency Characteristics: Includes standard and low-latency (LL) versions
• Channel Modes: Supports Mono and Stereo