L3 Multimaximizer

5-band dynamics control with linear-phase crossover

Master with More Precision
Using Multiband Maximization

There’s a reason why the L3 Multimaximizer has been the choice of top mastering engineers for over a decade: It artfully merges five-band parametric equalization, linear-phase crossovers, transparent dynamics control, and bit-resolution conversion into an exemplary mastering chain.

Based on Waves’ proprietary Peak Limiting Mixer™ technology, this plugin’s deep level of control for dynamics and frequency response lets you take your master wherever you want it to go.

Optimize dynamics independently in five frequency bands
Multiband peak limiting maximizes levels, while retaining musicality
Intelligent release options provide a fluid maximizing character
Linear-phase crossovers maintain artifact-free purity
Informative display gives insights into the maximizing process
Precise, flexible equalization adds another dimension to mastering
Variable crossover frequencies and release times
Advanced dithering, noise shaping, and bit-reduction processing

Watch It in Action

react-product-video-gallery-box

What Top Pros Are Saying

[{"itemID":1511,"itemGUID":"23bcdc35-f056-49ce-83bf-114a1fac18e7","artistName":"Andrew Scheps","artistTitle":"Producer, Engineer","credits":"Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/andrew-scheps.png","quote":"When you really need to tweak the dynamics and harmonic balance on a mix, the combination of the smooth crossovers and the bands\u2019 priority settings are great.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":1},{"itemID":2330,"itemGUID":"a39123a7-5326-4232-a1b4-1dc78216cba0","artistName":"Shawn Everett","artistTitle":"Mixing Engineer, Producer","credits":"Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs, Julian Casablancas, Grizzly Bear","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/shawn-everett.png","quote":"L3 is my favorite limiter ever. I\u0027ve been using Waves limiters since I started working inside of a computer, and this limiter is still my favorite of all time. It\u2019s been blowing my mind for 18 years.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":2},{"itemID":2728,"itemGUID":"80d81827-de49-4620-88a0-793a5e292a1b","artistName":"Ken Andrews","artistTitle":"Mix Engineer, Producer","credits":"Paramore, Failure, Beck, Jimmy Eat World","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/ken-andrews.png","quote":"Simply incredible for adding detail and making sounds punch through the mix.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":3},{"itemID":2128,"itemGUID":"e003e5cc-da1a-45ea-afdb-9a8d8d9395a4","artistName":"Charlie Clouser","artistTitle":"Film and TV Composer, Producer, Remixer","credits":"Saw franchise, \u003Ci\u003EWayward Pines\u003C/i\u003E, Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/charlie-clouser.png","quote":"After 20 years, L3 Multimaximizer is still the most important dynamics plugin in my setup. I use L3 on the sub-master of every stem that I deliver for film and TV scores: the best way to get everything huge and healthy. ","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":4},{"itemID":1510,"itemGUID":"c825edc0-a2a6-4093-a321-9981511b82fc","artistName":"Guy Sigsworth","artistTitle":"Producer","credits":"Bj\u00F6rk, Madonna, Seal","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/guy-sigsworth.png","quote":"After holding our own \u2018Master Buss Limiter Idol\u2019 competition, we judged this to be the best. L3 is the cleanest and brightest, with the most punch.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":5},{"itemID":2193,"itemGUID":"ed2389b7-0197-4813-a66a-762d4bb8400d","artistName":"Gary Barlow","artistTitle":"Vocalist, Songwriter","credits":"Take That, Gary Barlow, Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/gary-barlow.png","quote":"What can I say; the full stop on every session. Nothing comes close.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":6},{"itemID":1732,"itemGUID":"10a8cad7-f6f0-4996-8424-baec54dc7893","artistName":"The Crystal Method","artistTitle":"DJs, Producers, Musicians","credits":"Almost Human, League of Legends, Bones, Community Service","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/the-crystal-method.png","quote":"L3 is always the last plugin on my stereo bus chain. It make my tracks sound not just louder, but better. You can really fine-tune your sound with the multiband processing.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":7},{"itemID":2843,"itemGUID":"21d06d64-6a8b-4db6-a829-245b9034536f","artistName":"DVBBS","artistTitle":"Producer, Sound Designer, Songwriter","credits":"","artistImage":"/images/artists/1280/dvbss.png","quote":"Try the L3 Multimaximizer Hi-Res CD preset on your master bus to glue your track together. Customize the threshold and other settings to your track.","isMainQuote":false,"sortID":8}]

product-quote-gallery-app

From a Gentle Lift, to Powerful Punch

Maximization with a Natural Sound
Unlike conventional multiband limiters, Waves’ Peak Limiting Mixer technology treats the five bands as part of an integrated whole, and distributes attenuation in each band as needed. The result: level and clarity.
Intelligent, Adaptive Release
Adaptive release algorithms, and a choice of release profiles, allow choosing the character that best suits your needs—from transparent to aggressive—without pumping, breathing, or other artifacts.
EQ: The Big Advantage
The linear phase crossovers provide freedom from phase distortion, a transparent high end, and exceptional sonic accuracy. This is why engineers use the L3 Multimaximizer as much for its equalization as for its dynamics control.
Set Your Priorities
Increase or decrease a band’s priority relative to other bands, to ensure that whatever frequency band you want front and center—like the one that includes kick or vocals—always retains its focus within the master.
Shape Psychoacoustics with Separation
Separate the bands for maximum isolation, or reduce separation so energy from one band can influence adjacent bands. You can even eliminate separation entirely, for conversion to a wideband limiter with linear-phase EQ.
Digital Release-Ready
With 2 dithering options, 3 noise-shaping algorithms, and conversion to 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24-bit resolution, the Increased Digital Resolution (IDR) section provides high-quality preparation for digital releases.
Simplified and Low-Latency Versions
Alongside the full L3 plugin, the Waves catalog also includes the L3 Ultramaximizer plugin with simplified controls, and the live mixing-friendly “LL” (low-latency) versions of both the Multimaximizer and the Ultramaximizer.