HiFAL is the third plug-in to be released by Schwabe Digital, the audio technology company founded by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum mix and mastering engineer Ryan Schwabe. With two powerful clipper/limiter plug-ins already under their belt, the latest launch sees the company turn their attention to high-frequency shaping and enhancement.
HiFAL, or High Frequency Acceleration Limiter, to give it its full title, is said to bring a vinyl-era mastering approach to the modern age, offering users a way to reign in high-frequency dynamics without leaving their mix sounding ‘dull’. It features adaptive attack and release times that allow transients to retain their natural sound, whilst harsh peaks are brought under control without robbing them of their initial shape and impact.
The plug-in’s GUI is divided into two sections: Main HiFAL and Parallel Limiter, both of which can be engaged and bypassed individually and feature crossover controls that allow their processing to be applied to a specific frequency range. The former houses a Mode toggle that allows for left/right or Mid-Side operation, along with Threshold, Channel Link and Trim controls, while a pair of buttons allow users to select Fast and Slow modes for the adaptive attack and release times.
The latter than makes it possible to blend in additional high-frequency content, essentially acting as a brightness control; Schwabe Digital say it was inspired by the ‘Motown vocal’ trick, a technique where a heavily compressed, high-passed vocal duplicate was blended with the original track to add some additional clarity and ‘sparkle’.
You can check out the video below for an overview of what HiFAL has to offer from Ryan Schwabe himself.
Compatibility
HiFAL is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
HiFAL is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $159 until 14 October 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of $199.
