Northstar by M Media Audio is a one-window mastering console with three EQ banks, FET/VCA/Vari-Mu, and a true-peak limiter. $59 launch, $99 regular.
Plugin comparison
Northstar vs FabFilter Pro-L 2
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
9.2Essential
FabFilter Pro-L 2 is a true peak limiter plug-in with multiple limiting algorithms and extensive loudness metering.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Northstar | FabFilter Pro-L 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59 launch / $99 | $199.00 |
| Dubspot Score | — | 9.2 |
| Formats | VST3, AU | VST, VST3, Audio Units (AU), CLAP, AAX Native, AudioSuite |
| Type | One-window mastering console | — |
| Price | $59 through 4 October 2026, then $99 | — |
| Licence | Perpetual, three activations | — |
| EQ | Three banks, Dual / Mid / Side, six bands each | — |
| Dynamics | FET, VCA, Vari-Mu, six orders | — |
| Loudness | Set Level, −24 to −5 LUFS, within 0.25 LU | — |
| Ceiling | −3 to 0 dBTP, default −1 | — |
| Latency | About 474 samples limiter on, 3 samples limiter off | — |
| Windows | 10 or 11, VST3 | — |
| macOS | 11 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel, VST3 and AU | — |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04 or equivalent, VST3, libsodium required | — |
| Not included | 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 |
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