Home / Videos / Reid Stefan / Free vs. Cheap vs. Expensive Limiters
Reid Stefan

Free Vs. Cheap Vs. Expensive Limiters

24 min

Reid Stefan puts free, budget, and premium limiters head to head, testing how they handle loudness, dynamics, punch, and overall sound quality. The goal is to find out whether expensive limiters actually deliver better results, or if a free limiter can compete.

Videos

Free vs. Cheap vs. Expensive Limiters
Reid Stefan

Free Vs. Cheap Vs. Expensive Limiters

24 min

Reid Stefan puts free, budget, and premium limiters head to head, testing how they handle loudness, dynamics, punch, and overall sound quality. The goal is to find out whether expensive limiters actually deliver better results, or if a free limiter can compete.

About

Reid Stefan

Reid Stefan

The Realest Puppet In The Game is one of the top educators of modern music making with production, songwriting, mixing, and engineering credits including Suicide Boyz, Travis Barker, Steve Aoki, Alan Walker, KSHMR, & more! Reid Stefan tutorials are amongst the most popular on YouTube and Instagram and now you can enjoy full length Reid Stefan mixing videos exclusively on MyMixLab

Related videos

19 min

Learn how to mix vocals with UAD Spark Plugins with Reid Stefan Realest Puppet In The Game. This complete vocal processing tutorial covers every step to mix lead vocals and backgrounds to perfection with EQ, Compression, Saturation, and Special FX. UAD Spark Plugins are the same famous sound quality without the requirement of an Apollo interface or Satellite hardware. These VST plugins are 100% Native in the box. Download Reid's personal presets after watching the full course to mix your vocals like a pro with UAD Spark.

This course explains how to use serial compression with two instances of FabFilter Pro‑C 3 to achieve maximum loudness and energy. It walks through how to split the workload between compressors for better control, increase perceived volume without distortion, and keep vocals or instruments punchy, clean, and dynamic.

In this video, we break down how to reach -3 RMS using just a single Maximizer inside iZotope Ozone 12. You’ll learn how to push loudness to professional levels without destroying your dynamics or introducing distortion. We cover the key settings, gain staging, and limiter behaviour needed to get a clean, powerful master using a simple, streamlined approach.

Incase you missed the live stream and Q&A with Luca Pretolesi and Reid Stefan, where they discussed mixing, mastering, music production and asked for your input on future topics . We’ve got you covered! You can still catch the full stream here!

Revolutionize your drum sound with Luca Pretolesi! Learn how to amplify punchiness using the Transient Shaper plugin. Discover how to use these techniques to enhance your drum buss dynamics post mix, elevating impact without compromising the mix's integrity. Take your drum punch to the next level!

16 min

Explore the power of mastering with just one plugin as Luca Pretolesi showcases the versatility and efficiency of Ozone 11 by iZotope. Using Artsy Moods track to highlight its comprehensive suite of features to fine-tune your tracks and ensure optimal sound quality, so that whether you're in the studio or on the go, you can test your master with ease!

10 min

Reid Stefan teaches you how to sidechain mix in Pro Tools with Soothe 2 by OEK Sound. This Plugins is a unique multiband compression plugin that can automatically detect and remove harsh frequencies. Reid shows how to mix lead vocals, sidechain compression, kick, and bass all with Soothe 2

Reid Stefan compares the sound quality of analog clipping thru the Prism Titan A/D Converters, with StandardClip Plugin. This tutorial shows you how to master with a Hybrid workflow in Ableton using External Audio Effects as a master chain.

Learn how to achieve a tighter, more powerful low end by mastering kick and bass phase alignment in Hard Techno. Discover practical techniques to align the phase relationship between your kick and bass, eliminate unwanted cancellations, maximize punch, and create a clean, impactful foundation that translates on any sound system.

Explore how to create punchy, modern Tech House snares using the powerful features of Newfangled Audio Articulate. You'll learn how to shape transients, enhance attack, control sustain, and add character to your snares so they cut through the mix while maintaining a clean and professional sound.