Maxwell Smart
Key Features
- 4x inter-sample peak (ISP) detection with the efficiency of 4x linear phase oversampling, without added artifacts or CPU load
- ITU-R BS.1770-4 compliant true peak detection for broadcast and streaming-ready masters
- Three limiting modes (Smooth, Normal, Loud) to match the character to your source material
- Simple threshold and ceiling controls for a fast, focused mastering workflow
- Ultra-low 5ms latency with automatic host compensation
- Wide sample rate support from 8kHz to 384kHz for any project format
- Lightweight CPU footprint built on FlowStone synthesis environment
Description
Maxwell Smart by Lively Audio is a transparent true peak limiter and loudness maximizer built around 4x inter-sample peak detection. Originally entered in the KVR Developer Challenge (KVRDC12), it earned a loyal following for delivering mastering-grade loudness without audible distortion.
The plugin uses ISP detection that matches the efficiency of 4x linear phase oversampling but avoids the CPU overhead and artifacts that oversampling introduces. It complies with ITU-R BS.1770-4 true peak measurement standards, making it suitable for broadcast and streaming-ready masters.
Three limiting modes let you shape the character: Smooth for gentle gain reduction, Normal for balanced limiting, and Loud for aggressive maximization. A simple threshold and ceiling control scheme keeps the workflow fast, with just 5ms of latency (automatically compensated by the host).
In forum comparisons against paid limiters, Maxwell Smart consistently holds its own. Users describe it as one of the most transparent limiters available, noting that it rounds off transients cleanly while letting everything else pass untouched.
Maxwell Smart v3.0 runs as a 32-bit VST on Windows only and supports sample rates from 8kHz to 384kHz. Built with FlowStone, it remains lightweight on CPU despite its sophisticated ISP algorithm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maxwell Smart work on macOS or 64-bit systems?
No. Maxwell Smart v3.0 is built with FlowStone and runs exclusively as a 32-bit VST plugin on Windows. There is no macOS, 64-bit, or AU/AAX version available. You can use it in a 64-bit DAW through a bridge like jBridge or 32 Lives.
Does a limiter reduce sound quality?
A well-designed transparent limiter like Maxwell Smart minimizes quality loss by carefully managing gain reduction. Its ISP detection rounds off transient peaks without clipping or audible distortion, preserving the dynamic character of the mix while increasing overall loudness.
What is inter-sample peak (ISP) detection and why does it matter?
Inter-sample peaks are signal peaks that occur between individual digital samples and can cause distortion during digital-to-analog conversion or lossy encoding. Maxwell Smart's 4x ISP detection catches these invisible peaks with the same accuracy as 4x oversampling, but without the added CPU load or potential phase artifacts.
How does Maxwell Smart compare to paid limiters like FabFilter Pro-L 2?
Forum users report that Maxwell Smart holds its ground surprisingly well against paid limiters in blind tests, particularly for transparent limiting. It lacks the advanced metering, multiple limiting algorithms, and surround support of Pro-L 2, but its core limiting quality is highly regarded for a zero-cost tool.
