L4 Ultramaximizer

Name: L4 Ultramaximizer
Price: 29.99 USD
Author: Waves

by Waves · Limiter · Modern multi-algorithm

vst3s Score 8.4/10 · rated #9 of 10 limiters

The modern successor in Waves' L-series: five limiting algorithms, adaptive clipping and release, true peak control and LUFS metering.

It aims for loudness with more low end, punch and dynamics than the classic L2.

Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus. Genres: Hip-Hop & Trap, Electronic & EDM, Pop.

Keywords: modern, metering, hardware emulation, true-peak, bus processing, glue, mastering, mix bus, punchy, upward compression, full mix, heavy, aggressive, clean, live performance, low latency, oversampling, single-band, smooth, stereo-linked, transparent.

What it does

The L4 Ultramaximizer is Waves' adaptive limiter and the successor to the L1 and L2, released in September 2025 with the tagline "the limiter for a new era of loud". It uses adaptive clipping and release, with five limiting modes:

Modern: balanced and punchy, for general material.
Smooth: transparent and cohesive.
Aggressive: loud and forward.
Safe: clean and controlled under heavy limiting.
L2 Legacy: emulates the original L2.

Controls include:

Level: threshold and ceiling (linkable).
Upward Compression: lifts quieter detail.
Release and Clip: multipliers that scale the adaptive release and clipper.
Stereo and quality: stereo link and up to 16x oversampling, with a true peak mode.
Dither and monitoring: dither and noise shaping, Gain Match and Delta monitoring.
Loudness meter: integrated and short-term LUFS, true peak and loudness range.

Source: Waves product page

When to use it

The L4 brings Waves' limiter line up to date for streaming loudness, adding modern modes, upward compression and loudness metering to the L2's simplicity. Its L2 Legacy mode keeps the familiar sound for existing users.

Best for: mastering and mix-bus limiting for streaming, and live use on Waves' LV1 and SuperRack systems thanks to its low latency.
Mode guide: Modern or Aggressive for electronic music and bass-heavy tracks, Smooth as mix glue or on vocals, Safe for conservative limiting, and upward compression for delicate orchestral and cinematic passages.
Compared with Pro-L 2: SongMixMaster sees the L4 as the more colourful option and Pro-L 2 as the more surgical one.

What producers say

The L4 is new, so there are fewer reviews yet. Waves' page lists over 300 customer reviews.

Greg Kocis found it "enhances music rather than flattening it", with added punch and low end.
Production Expert sees it as bringing the L1/L2 legacy up to date.
Common comparisons: YouTube shootouts pit it against Pro-L 2 and against Waves' own L2 and L3.
Criticisms (SongMixMaster): it distorts earlier than some competitors when pushed very hard, and Upward Compression overrides Gain Match.

Where to buy

Sweetwater: $29.99 (regular $34.99)
Plugin Boutique: $34.99 (regular $99)
AudioDeluxe: $34.99 (regular $99)
Best Service: $45.16
PluginFox: $49.99
Waves: see store (Price changes with Waves' weekly sales)

Tutorials and reviews

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