A rather decent freeware multiband compressor, limiter and level maximizer is here:
http://www.ismusic.ne.jp/sweetboy/T-SLEDGE/

(VST & Windows only)

I find it quite useful and there's some other nice stuff on the site too. Have fun!

I'd heard nothing but good stuff about the BBE Sonic Maximizer, and when I saw my guitarist had one in his rack, I decided to buy the plugin .

So I pay my $100 plus shipping and handling, install it in my computer, and this is what happens.

What options are available which would provide L1/L2 type processing at a low cost as a plug in?

I just want to try some stuff out to see if this type of effect is for me.

I've posted this on the Digidesign forum and got back some surprising responses. There were a lot of people that not only thought it was a great mastering tool, but also the best front end to Pro Tools. A/D was co-developed with Hutch from Manley Labs. Has anyone A/B'd them to the RME, Lucid or Apogee lineup? Also, has anyone A/B'd it to the L2 plugin . I love that plugin by the way.

Which will give me the best finalizing tools? TC Finalizer, Waves Ultramaximizer, or Alesis Masterlink?

So, what's yourall's thoughts on this piece of equipment as the last stage before going digital? i've read that the converters are spiffy and that it works it's purpose well.