McDSP - ML8000 Advanced Limiter Native

The McDSP ML8000 Advanced Limiter uses two completely separate stages of processing: an eight-band limiter followed by a recreation of the ML4000's patented master limiter. It's for mastering and mix engineers who want loudness with fewer side effects.

Two stages

The first stage uses eight bands of active processing rather than a traditional crossover, which McDSP says gives better phase response. It catches peaks in specific frequency ranges before they reach the second stage, the master limiter, which is the ML4000 algorithm right down to its modes. Knee, Mode and Focus controls shape how it all responds.

The sound

Because the multi-band stage handles a lot of the peak work, the master limiter doesn't have to work as hard. The result is level without as much pumping or dulling as a single-stage limiter pushed to the same loudness. It's a strong choice for dense electronic music and modern pop masters.

Native or HD?

Native runs on your computer in AAX Native, AU and VST3, which is all most studios need. If you mix on Pro Tools HDX or an Avid VENUE S6L, ML8000 Advanced Limiter HD adds AAX DSP support.

Features

• Eight-band active limiter stage
• Master limiter based on the ML4000 algorithm
• Brick wall look-ahead limiting
• Knee, Mode and Focus controls
• Double precision processing, low latency
• Mono and stereo versions

System requirements

• Version: 7.3
• Mac: macOS 10.13 High Sierra to macOS 26 Tahoe. AAX Native, AU and VST3. Native on Apple Silicon and Intel
• Windows: Windows 10 and 11. AAX Native and VST3
• RAM: not specified by McDSP
• Licence: iLok, on an iLok2 or iLok3 USB key, your computer or iLok Cloud (a free iLok account is needed). Two activations per licence

SOUND7 is an authorised McDSP reseller. Digital delivery: licence activation code sent by email.

Demo