Drag the Ceiling knob down to -1.0 dB . This gives you headroom for the MP3/AAC conversion process (avoiding intersample peaks).
Remember: Loudness starts with a good mix, but it ends with a transparent limiter. Let the Kilohearts Limiter be the final guardian of your true peak. Visit the official Kilohearts website to download the free Kilohearts Essentials bundle and install your VST3 Limiter today. Your listeners (and their speakers) will thank you. Vst Plugin Khs Limiter -vst3-
| Feature | Kilohearts Limiter | FabFilter Pro-L 2 | Waves L2 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Free (with Kilohearts Bundle) / Low cost | Expensive ($199) | Mid-range ($99) | | Latency | Zero Latency (0 samples) | Variable (High in Optimal) | Zero | | Sound | Transparent, Clean, "Invisible" | Characterful, Multiband options | Pumpy, Vintage vibe | | GUI | Ultra-minimalist | Highly detailed (Spectrum analyzer) | Dated but functional | | True Peak | Yes | Yes | No (Legacy version) | Drag the Ceiling knob down to -1
Load the Kilohearts Limiter as the last plugin on your Master Channel. Ensure it is the VST3 version (check your DAW’s plugin manager). Let the Kilohearts Limiter be the final guardian
Set the Attack to 1.0 ms . This is a safe starting point that catches peaks but doesn't kill attack transients.
You have a mixed track peaking at -6 dB RMS (loud) with occasional transients hitting -0.5 dB. You want a loud master for SoundCloud (-0.2 dB True Peak) without losing the drum punch.
Watch the gain reduction meter. Stop increasing Gain when the meter shows of reduction on the snare hits.