Plugin comparison
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Dubspot may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects our scores or what we recommend — read our policy.
Contenders
FabFilter Pro-L 2 is a true peak limiter plug-in with multiple limiting algorithms and extensive loudness metering.
sonible smart:limit is an AI true-peak limiter with Instant Impact Prediction, publishing targets, Quality Check, and sound-shaping (Style, Saturation, Balance, Bass).
Score verdict
On the Dubspot Score, FabFilter Pro-L 2 comes out ahead (9.2). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
| Signal | FabFilter Pro-L 2 | sonible smart:limit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | €129 |
| Dubspot Score | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Limiting algorithms | Eight different algorithms | — |
| Oversampling | Up to 32x linear-phase | — |
| Loudness metering standards | EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, ATSC A/85 | — |
| True peak limiting | Yes | — |
| Surround support | Up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 | — |
| Dithering | Advanced, with three noise shaping algorithms | — |
| Type | — | Intelligent true-peak limiter with loudness guidance |
| Key tech | — | Content-aware analysis, automatic parametrization, Instant Impact Prediction |
| Monitoring | — | Integrated / short-term / momentary LUFS; Loudness Range; dynamics (peak-to-loudness based); True Peak (dBTP) via high-res oversampling; gain reduction |
| Guidance | — | Publishing targets, loudness & dynamics grid, Quality Check |
| Sound shaping | — | Style (soft↔hard), Saturation, Balance (spectral polish), Bass Control |
| Manual controls | — | Full manual access to limiter parameters (incl. attack/release) with or without auto setup |
| Formats | — | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Channel layouts | — | Mono, stereo, Dolby Surround 5.1 (per sonible specs) |
| Sample rates | — | 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz |
| Authorization | — | Machine-based (2 systems typical) or iLok transfer via sonible account |
| List price | — | €129 (sales and bundles common—smart:essentials with smart:EQ / smart:comp) |
| Trial | — | Time-limited full trial from sonible (confirm current demo length) |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.