Cobalt Limiter Neo - Quick Start
================================

Cobalt Limiter Neo is a mono/stereo brickwall limiter plugin designed for peak control on mix buses, master buses, and individual tracks.

Version: 0.9.0

This file contains the minimum information needed to install the product and confirm that it processes audio. For detailed usage, refer to the PDF.

By installing, launching, or using this software, you agree to the Terms of Use.


1. System Requirements
--------------------------------

OS:
  Windows 11 64-bit recommended
  Windows 10 64-bit or later

Formats:
  VST3
  CLAP

Host:
  64-bit DAW with VST3 or CLAP support
  Mono or stereo audio tracks (matching input and output channel counts)

Notes:
  The CLAP build is an experimental distribution format. Prefer VST3 when stability matters most.
  A macOS version is not available at this time.


2. Install Locations
--------------------------------

There is no installer. Unzip the package and copy the format you want to use.

Expected file names:
  Cobalt Limiter Neo.vst3
  Cobalt Limiter Neo.clap

VST3:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\

Or:
  %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Common\VST3\

CLAP:
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP\

Or:
  %LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Common\CLAP\

The following common locations are recommended for all users:

  C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
  C:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP\

After installing VST3 or CLAP, restart your DAW or rescan plugins.


3. First Sound Check
--------------------------------

VST3 / CLAP:
  1. Place the plugin file in the correct folder above.
  2. Open your DAW.
  3. Run a plugin rescan.
  4. Insert Cobalt Limiter Neo on an audio track or the master bus.
  5. Confirm host latency compensation is enabled (fixed 3 ms lookahead).
  6. Play audio through the track (playback, input, or looped material).
  7. Set CEILING to your target level (default −1.00 dB), then adjust limiting with THRESHOLD.

Use the central REALTIME LIMITER VIEW to watch input, output, and GR while you adjust.


4. Demo Version Limitations
--------------------------------

The Demo build has the following limitations.

  Approximately 900 seconds (15 minutes) after launch, audio output fades out and then becomes silent.
  The timer uses a monotonic clock, so it is not reset by Windows clock changes or sample-rate changes.
  To continue evaluation, reload the plugin instance or session.
  There is no dedicated preset save/export UI. Settings are retained through DAW project saves and the host plugin-state save.
  The Software is provided free of charge for evaluation and trial only. It is not a commercial product.
  About may show a Demo suffix in the version string.


5. No Sound / No Audible Change
--------------------------------

VST3 / CLAP:
  Confirm audio is reaching the track.
  Check the DAW track monitor, mute, volume, and master output.
  Confirm BYPASS is not ON.
  If THRESHOLD stays at 0.00 dB, little reduction may occur unless input exceeds the Ceiling.
  Check whether the Demo 15-minute limit has been reached. If so, reload the plugin.
  If timing feels off, enable host latency compensation.

If the plugin does not appear in the DAW:
  Confirm the VST3 or CLAP file is in the correct folder.
  Rescan plugins in the DAW.
  Confirm you are using a 64-bit DAW.
  If the CLAP build is unstable, try the VST3 build.


6. Usage Tips
--------------------------------

  Start by setting CEILING for the output ceiling, then use THRESHOLD for reduction amount, and switch MODE / OS as needed.
  Clean is more transparent; Aggressive responds faster and emphasizes density and punch.
  OS (detector oversampling) is Off / 2x / 4x (default 4x). Use 2x or Off if CPU load is high.
  Setting CEILING near 0.00 dB leaves less headroom for the host or later processing. For delivery, about −1.00 dB is a useful starting point.
  Cobalt Limiter Neo can also be used inside the FX Rack of Cobalt Drift Neo.


JUCE Notice
--------------------------------

English:
  This product was developed using JUCE 8.
  JUCE 8 is used under the JUCE 8 Starter Licence.
  JUCE is a C++ application and audio framework by Raw Material Software Limited.
  This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Raw Material Software Limited.
  For third-party software license notices, see the included THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.

日本語:
  Cobalt Limiter Neoは、Raw Material Software LimitedによるC++アプリケーション/オーディオフレームワークであるJUCE 8を使用して開発されています。
  JUCE 8はJUCE 8 Starter Licenceの下で使用されています。
  Cobalt Limiter NeoはRaw Material Software Limitedと提携しておらず、同社による推奨・承認を受けた製品ではありません。
  第三者ソフトウェアのライセンス表示は、同梱のTHIRD_PARTY_NOTICESを参照してください。


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