フラットライン 2

The mastering maximizer.
Evolved.

Clip, Limit, and intelligent Hybrid, in one mix-bus plugin.

$139.00 USD
Used by professional mastering engineersTony Lindgren, Thomas 'Plec' Johansson, Ermin Hamidovic

    Features

    Three paths to loudness.

    Flatline 2 was designed with mastering engineer Ermin Hamidovic (Architects, Northlane, Plini) to get you to the finish line fast. Every control has a job: choose Clip, Limit, or Hybrid, then push level with the right balance of punch, control, and clean delivery.

    フラットライン 2 interface

    Mode

    Clip, limit or hybrid. 3 paths to loudness, all fantastic.

    Threshold

    Sets the level where gain reduction starts.

    Shape

    Sets the flavour of how Flatline 2 reacts.

    Ceiling

    Sets the level of the output.

    Delta

    Hear what Flatline 2 is doing.

    Auto gain

    When enabled, lowering the threshold will automatically push the level up to the ceiling.

    Oversampling

    Up to 64x oversampling.

    DC offset

    Removes DC offset if present.

    Dither

    Applies dither to the output signal to reduce quantization error.

    Hybrid controls

    In hybrid mode, a slew of extra options allow fine tuning of the intelligent maximizer.

    LUFS display

    Shows LUFS across 3 timespans, dynamic range, and a target level meter.

    01

    Original Flatline curve

    Clip

    The Flatline 1 clipping algorithm, unchanged. Use it for fast transient shaving, bus density, and aggressive level when clipper character is the point.

    02

    Classic brickwall ceiling

    Limit

    A 90s-style brickwall limiter for final level control, transient control, and distortion resistance when the master already has the right tone.

    03

    Clipper and limiter together

    Hybrid

    Use Hybrid when the master needs clipping's punch and limiting's control in the same move.

    Compatibility

    System Requirements

    macOS

    Activation
    iLok License Manager (free)
    OS
    macOS 10.13 or later
    CPU
    Intel or Apple Silicon
    Formats
    VST3 · AU · AAX

    Windows

    Activation
    iLok License Manager (free)
    OS
    Windows 10 or later
    CPU
    Intel i5 or equivalent
    Formats
    VST3 · AAX

    64-bit only. Internet required for download & activation. iLok dongle optional — activate to your computer.

    iLok licensing
    VST3 plugin format
    Audio Units plugin format
    AAX plugin format

    Compatible DAWs

    Any modern DAW supporting VST3, AAX, or AU. Try the free 7-day trial →

    Support

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What happens after I purchase?

    This is a digital product — there's no physical item. After purchase, you'll receive an email with a serial number (usually instant). Redeem it in your free iLok account to download and activate.

    Do I need an iLok USB dongle?

    No. The iLok dongle is optional. You can activate Flatline 2 directly to your computer using the free iLok License Manager app. A dongle is only required if you want to move the license between machines without re-activating.

    How many activations do I get?

    Flatline 2 can be activated to 2 locations on your iLok account — for example, one studio machine and one laptop.

    How do I install Flatline 2?

    Use the download link in your order confirmation email to grab the installer. Run it, make sure you have the free iLok License Manager installed, and activate using your serial number.

    Is there a trial version?

    Yes — a free, no-obligation 7-day trial is available. Click "Try it for free" near the top of the page to get started.

    How is this different from Flatline 1?

    Flatline 1's clipping algorithm is preserved exactly in Flatline 2's Clip mode. On top of that, Flatline 2 adds a brickwall Limit mode and the new Hybrid algorithm, plus envelope shaping, 64x oversampling, LUFS metering, channel linking, delta monitoring, DC offset removal, and dithering — a full mastering toolset in one plugin.

    Can I use Flatline 2 anywhere in the chain?

    Yes. While it's purpose-built for the master bus, Flatline 2 works just as well across drum buses, vocal buses, or anywhere you'd reach for clipping or limiting.

    How do I get help?

    Our support team is standing by — contact us here.

    Industry Voices

    From the people making the records.

    Mick Gordon

    Flatline 2 is outstanding - Hybrid mode is super impressive, combining the best of clipping and limiting to create masters that are clean, punchy, and crystal clear. With precise envelope control, lookahead, and LUFS metering, it's an essential tool for both mastering and track clipping/limiting.

    Mick GordonDOOM, DOOM: Eternal, Prey
    Tony Lindgren

    Flatline has been my go-to clipping plugin ever since its first iteration. With its ease of use and great sounding, well thought-out soft clipping curve, it's no wonder it ended up on several projects I've mastered in the past few years. With Flatline 2, the team at SubMission Audio has taken everything even further with a beautiful new UI and, most importantly, the addition of the Hybrid mode, which turned this plugin into a versatile powerhouse and a must-have in any mastering engineer's tool box.

    Tony LindgrenDimmu Borgir · Opeth · Billie Eilish · BTBAM
    Thomas 'Plec' Johansson

    First rule in mastering is to do no harm, and after I've used basically every limiting/clipping piece of software and hardware directed at mastering applications available on the planet, the best sounding pieces tend to be the ones that do as little harm as possible while giving you the loudness that you're after and this is not a simple feat. Flatline has been the only piece of software that on several occasions proved to work better than my favorite $10,000 hardware box for these applications. It's simply the best solution available today for gaining level in a clean and musical way!

    Thomas 'Plec' JohanssonSoilwork, Scar Symmetry

    User Reviews

    From customers just like you.

    Verified by Judge.me

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 197 reviews
    95%
    (187)
    4%
    (8)
    1%
    (1)
    1%
    (1)
    0%
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    P
    Paul F.
    Great Sounding!

    I have my favourite clippers and limiters as a professional mastering engineer; however, a client recommended I try Flatline 2. I downloaded the trial, I thought I would unlikely purchase it, but found the Clipper and Hybrid engines to sound excellent; clean, smooth, and transparent!

    R
    Rex
    Great limiter

    Didn't know what to expect but this thing is great! It is my go to now! Get it you won't be disappointed

    J
    Jake R.
    Flatline review

    W plugin. Look up loudness in the dictionary & you’ll find a picture of the Flatline GUI.

    S
    SM A.
    Clean and Crisp

    I'm new to mastering modern metal and Flatline 2 made everything easier and sounding much better. I watched a YT video, dialed it in just like Ermin did and was able to get a cleaner and louder master than previous methods. The Hybrid mode is magic. Also great for me on the Drum bus... Can't wait to keep experimenting with it. So far nothing but great results from anything Submission Audio - Thank you.

    W
    WG
    Best of both worlds

    Flatline 2 was exactly what I needed for both clipping and limiting. Mix or master it has been worth the money.

    r
    rémy M.
    Flatline2👏👏👏

    Flatline 2 is here! Modern, simple, and incredibly well-coded, powered by an absolute beast of a new hybrid algorithm. Massive shoutout to the creators for this one.

    123