W1 Limiter is a brickwall limiter designed as a clone of the renowned Waves L1 Ultramaximizer, offering identical output quality and a close approximation of the Waves L2. It delivers precise dynamic control, making it suitable for mastering and mixing applications where transparent limiting is essential. The plugin faithfully replicates the core characteristics of the original, ensuring reliable performance in professional audio workflows.

Unlike standard limiters, W1 employs a release time that is three times longer than the typical RT60 measurement, meaning a 50ms release setting corresponds to approximately 150ms in standard terms. This unique timing approach is consistent with the original Waves L1 behavior, offering a familiar experience for users accustomed to that plugin. From version 2.0 onwards, W1 Limiter introduced adaptive release logic, attempting to emulate the dynamic response of Waves L2. While this emulation is approximate, it provides more flexibility by allowing release time adjustments even while adaptive mode is active.

It is important to note that W1 Limiter does not replicate Waves IDR dithering, which may influence the final output characteristics in certain scenarios. Despite this, the plugin remains a powerful tool for achieving transparent limiting with a classic sound. Its compatibility and behavior make it an excellent choice for producers and engineers seeking a reliable alternative to the Waves L1 and L2 limiters.