LoudMax
Key Features
- Look-ahead brickwall limiting with 1.25 ms attack time for transparent loudness maximization
- Inter-Sample Peak (ISP) detection for true peak limiting, adding only 6 samples of additional latency
- Automatic release time that adapts to the input signal, preserving transient clarity without manual tweaking
- Supports sample rates from 2 kHz to 384 kHz, covering everything from speech to high-resolution audio
- Fader Link mode couples threshold and output controls for fast, balanced gain staging
- Exceptionally low CPU usage even with ISP enabled, suitable for loading on every channel
- Resizable GUI with Normal and Large display modes for comfortable workflow on any screen
Description
LoudMax by Thomas Mundt is a look-ahead brickwall loudness maximizer built for transparency. It retains the original character of your music even at high compression levels, making it a trusted final-stage limiter for mastering, mixing, and broadcast applications.
The control layout is deliberately minimal: a threshold fader, an output fader, and three meters for input, output, and gain reduction. A fader link option couples the output to the threshold for quick gain staging, while the ISP (Inter-Sample Peak) button enables true peak limiting with only 6 additional samples of latency.
LoudMax supports sample rates from 2 kHz up to 384 kHz with a fixed look-ahead and attack time of 1.25 ms. The automatic release algorithm adapts to the incoming signal, keeping transients intact without audible pumping or distortion.
Users on Reddit and Gearspace consistently praise its transparency, noting that it outperforms many commercial limiters at moderate gain reduction. Several engineers describe it as their default mastering limiter, citing its exceptionally low CPU usage and clean behavior across diverse material.
Version 1.46 is available as VST2 and VST3 for Windows, AU/VST2/VST3 for macOS (published by PlugInGuru as Universal 2 Binaries with Apple Silicon support), and LADSPA for Linux. Legacy builds for Windows XP/Vista and older macOS (10.5-10.14) are also provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does LoudMax do differently from other limiters?
LoudMax uses a look-ahead brickwall algorithm with automatic release to maximize loudness while preserving the original character of your audio. Unlike many limiters that color the signal or introduce pumping artifacts, LoudMax prioritizes transparency even at high gain reduction levels.
What is the ISP button in LoudMax?
ISP stands for Inter-Sample Peak detection, which enables true peak limiting. When activated, LoudMax detects peaks that occur between samples, preventing distortion during digital-to-analog conversion or lossy encoding. It adds only 6 samples of extra latency on top of the standard 1.25 ms look-ahead.
Does LoudMax support Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The macOS version (published by PlugInGuru) is a Universal 2 Binary, meaning it runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon processors without Rosetta 2 translation.
How does LoudMax compare to paid limiters like FabFilter Pro-L 2?
Many engineers on Reddit and Gearspace note that LoudMax holds its own against commercial limiters at moderate gain reduction, praising its transparency and clean sound. Where paid options like Pro-L 2 pull ahead is in advanced features such as multiple limiting algorithms, loudness metering standards, and surround support.
