Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer
by Softube · Limiter · One-knob maximizer
vst3s Score 8.5/10 · rated #7 of 10 limiters
Built on the algorithms of Weiss's high-end mastering hardware, MM-1 offers five mastering styles behind a single loudness knob.
It is a fast way to get a polished, competitive master, and it is popular with beatmakers finishing tracks themselves.
Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus. Genres: Hip-Hop & Trap, Pop, R&B & Soul.
Keywords: mastering, parallel processing, single knob, wide, bus processing, mix bus, transparent, full mix, mid/side, 90s, beginner-friendly, clean, corrective, drums, hybrid topology, minimal controls, polish, single-band.
What it does
The Weiss MM-1 is Softube's simplified mastering maximizer built on the Weiss DS1-MK3, a TEC Award-winning mastering processor from 1996. Softube ported the original code line by line and the plugin is endorsed by Daniel Weiss.
- Five styles: Transparent, Loud, Punch, Wide (mid/side widening) and Deess (mid/side de-essing).
- Amount: sets how much of the chosen style is applied before the brickwall limiter.
- Limiter Gain: drives the limiter to your target loudness.
- Parallel Mix: blends in the dry signal.
- Output trim: quick ceilings of -0.1, -0.3 and -1 dBFS for streaming.
When to use it
The MM-1 is the character-and-ease pick: choose a style, set the amount and gain, and you get the Weiss sound without the deep controls of the full DS1-MK3. Tape Op found it "does not sound like any of the other limiters" it owned.
- Best for: topping off a master or mix bus, or as a parallel limiter. Wide works on drums and backing parts, and Deess tames harshness.
- Genres: Tape Op used it across different genres; deadmau5 calls it his new favourite maximizer.
- Look elsewhere if: you need attack and release control or true peak limiting.
What producers say
Plugin Boutique buyers rate it 4.7 out of 5 from 626 reviews, calling it transparent, easy and clean-sounding.
- Tape Op's settings: about 1.5 dB of limiting fully wet, or roughly 25% wet as a parallel limiter.
- Howie Weinberg calls it "one of the best mastering tools I've ever used".
- Criticisms: no true peak limiting, so inter-sample peaks are possible; put a true peak limiter after it. Users also mention the price and CPU load.
Where to buy
- Plugin Boutique: $59 (regular $199)
- AudioDeluxe: $65 (regular $199)
- Sweetwater: see store
Tutorials and reviews
- Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer Walkthrough – Softube (Softube)
- Review - Softube Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer Plug-in
- "Mastering" Beats for Major Placements | Softube Weiss MM1
- Introducing the Weiss MM-1 Mastering Maximizer - Softube
- Is this THE BEST maximizer? Making a track SLAM with Weiss MM-1
Similar plugins
- Kratos 2 Maximizer by Kuassa · Maximizer · $69
- JST Maximizer by Joey Sturgis Tones · Mastering maximizer · $49.99
- DeePopMax by Dotec-Audio · Pop mastering maximizer · $50
- DeeMMax by Dotec-Audio · Mastering maximizer · $50
- DeeMaximizer by Dotec-Audio · 32-band maximizer · $120
- LIMITER by Mastering The Mix · Assisted mastering limiter · $79
- FireMaximizer by United Plugins · Mastering maximizer and limiter · $109
- ZeroLoud by HoRNet · Automatic LUFS-targeting maximizer · $28.38
- Brickwall HD by TC Electronic · Mastering brickwall limiter · $74.50
- AMT Max Warm by Nomad Factory · Limiter, two-band EQ and level maximizer · $14.99
More from Softube
- Clipper by Softube · Clipper · 8.2/10 · $79
- Saturation Knob by Softube · Saturation · 8.4/10 · Free
- Transient Shaper by Softube · Transient Shaper · 8.4/10 · $89
- Valley People Dyna-mite by Softube · Gate · 8.8/10 · $29
- Weiss Deess by Softube · Vocal Tool · 8.5/10 · $69
- Acoustic Feedback by Softube · Amp Sim · $89
- Amp Room Bass Suite by Softube · Amp Sim · $99
- Amp Room ENGL Savage Mark II Suite by Softube · Amp Sim · $99