Waves L4 Ultramaximizer

Waves L4 Ultramaximizer | The Adaptive Mastering Limiter for Modern Streaming Music

In the 90s and 2000s, Waves L1 and L2 were synonymous with "loudness." From Red Hot Chili Peppers to Metallica to Timbaland, countless classic records were processed through them, making them the key to standing out in a sea of music. However, the loudness wars are a thing of the past. Today's music demands more depth and nuance, and L4 was born for this very purpose.

The Waves L4 Ultramaximizer is an adaptive mastering limiter designed for modern music. It not only provides your tracks with competitive levels for streaming platforms but, more importantly, it delivers unprecedented musicality. This powerful mixing tool can give your music deeper lows, punchier transients, and more vibrant life. We understand that today's sound trends are deeper, bigger, and more dynamic. Artists no longer rely solely on volume to attract listeners; they capture hearts through subtle differences, powerful impact, and emotion. Therefore, a modern limiter shouldn't just squash music—it should enhance it. Waves L4 integrates five unique limiting algorithms, adaptive clipping and release controls, upward compression, True Peak detection, and many other features, making it an indispensable tool in your music production workflow. It perfectly achieves loudness optimization while preserving the soul of the music.

Core Advantages & Use Cases

Five Unique Limiting Algorithms
Every song is unique. We've crafted a range of limiter algorithms to suit any genre you're working on. Whether you need Modern, Aggressive, Smooth, Safe, or even the legendary L2 sound we've preserved for you, L4 has you covered.

Adaptive Clipping & Release Control
We're committed to making operation as simple as possible. L4's Clipping and Release settings are content-dependent—the plugin automatically configures them based on your track's characteristics. You just need to focus on listening to how they affect the transient punch and overall feel, and control their relative levels.

Upward Compression for Enhanced Detail
Inspired by the classic MV2 plugin, this module works wonders for lifting quieter passages in your music, adding density and fullness. When combined with the right limiter settings, you'll achieve both greater loudness and stronger dynamic impact.

Ultra-Low Latency for Wide Application
L4 is a true workhorse. You can use it for tracking during recording, as a bus processor to mix into, or continuously during heavy mastering sessions. Its ultra-low latency even makes it suitable for live performances, pairing perfectly with LV1, SuperRack SoundGrid, SuperRack Performer, or for use in Ableton Live Sessions.

LUFS Meter Built for the Streaming Era
Get your tracks fully prepared for the world of streaming. L4 includes built-in short-term and long-term LUFS loudness meters, giving you precise level readings as you work to optimize your songs for different streaming service platforms.

Dual GUI Visual Interface
For users who prefer to precisely observe the limiting process, L4 offers a "Graphical" view. And for engineers who prefer to go back to basics and mix by ear, we also provide a "Classic" view inspired by the L2's iconic design, allowing you to work efficiently in a familiar environment.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Type: Adaptive Peak Limiter / Loudness Maximizer
• Number of Algorithms: 5 (Modern, Aggressive, Smooth, Safe, L2)
• Key Features: Adaptive Clipping, Adaptive Release, Upward Compression, True Peak Limiting, Integrated LUFS Meter
• Latency: Ultra-Low Latency
• GUI Modes: Graphical, Classic
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Channel Formats: Mono, Stereo
• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native, AudioSuite
• Software Requirements: Requires installation and authorization via Waves Central, supports the latest version of Waves V14+ software