Frontier
by D16 Group · Limiter · Self-adaptive limiter
Not rated yet
Frontier is D16 Group's free limiter, built around an automatic gain makeup algorithm so it adapts to the incoming level.
It adds an optional soft clipper and a control input that can be used for tricks such as mono ducking, and works on single tracks, buses or the master.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering, Drum Bus, Vocals. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: free, soft clip, colored, bus processing, full mix, auto-gain, clean, drum bus, gentle, mastering, MIDI-controllable, mix bus, mixing, resizable UI, simple, single-band, vocals.
What it does
Frontier is a "Self-Adaptive Versatile Limiter" from D16 Group, offered free to D16 users. It is a simple peak limiter with automatic makeup gain, meant for individual tracks, groups or the master output.
- Self-adaptive gain: an automatic gain makeup algorithm raises the output as the limiting increases, so fewer manual adjustments are needed.
- Soft clipping: an optional soft-clip stage for rounder, more colored peak control.
- Control input: a configurable control input that allows uses such as mono ducking.
- Workflow: multiple UI sizes with HiDPI support and MIDI Learn for hardware control.
The current version is 1.3.0, at sample rates of 44.1 kHz and up. It is free.
Source: D16 Group product page
When to use it
Frontier is a quick, free option next to heavier limiters on the site such as FabFilter Pro-L 2, TDR Limiter 6 GE and Waves L2 Ultramaximizer. Pick it when you want a light limiter with almost no setup and a soft-clip option, and move to Pro-L 2 or TDR Limiter 6 GE when you need true-peak metering, multiple algorithms or detailed loudness tools.
- Best for: catching peaks on buses and single tracks, gentle master limiting on demos, and ducking effects via the control input.
- Genres: general purpose; it is not tied to any style.
- Look elsewhere if: you need mastering-grade metering, true-peak control or several limiting styles, or you want to avoid registering with the developer to get it.
- Standout: the automatic gain makeup, which keeps the output level consistent while you push the limiter.
What producers say
KVR users mostly like its sound and ease of use for free, with complaints about distortion on clean material and the hassle of obtaining it.
- KVR users: one reviewer (2022) said it "adds a welcome coloration" and is "very easy to set up"; another (2025) said it helped "when 3 other limiters were overcompressing."
- KVR user (2018): "This sounds really great," though "getting the plugin is a real hassle."
- Gripe: one KVR reviewer (2022) wrote "It distort sound where it should not" on clean sounds.
Where to buy
- D16 Group: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- Frontier by D16 Group - Testing as a Mastering Limiter
- D16 Group Frontier - Limitador
- My Secret to Louder Song Mix - The FREE d16 Group Frontier Limiter
- FREE for everyone: D16 FRONTIER Self-Adaptive Limiter
- Free Limiter Plug in review : Frontier Limiter is worth it
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