ThrillseekerVBL

I always prefer to work with zero-latency.

For this, the Thrillseeker is a literal life-saver. As for its sound, it's a middle ground between a transparent multi-purpose limiter and a straight-up saturator/waveshaper. It helps me limit my dynamics with ease. As for cons, I would note CPU consumption on a slightly higher end of the range. Otherwise, it grew on me, and I'm very thankful it did.

+ Free
+ Great and unique sound (although NOT a transparent one)
+ No peaks over a threshold

- x86 only, so use a bridge or FL Studio or Reaper
- a bit heavy on CPU
- some UI elements update a bit "lazy" sometimes.

The VBL is a fantastic Vst. I use it to give my tracks colour whenever I feel they lack some character. And most of the times, VBL delivers the colour I want. Guitars, bass, drumbus!!! and even piano benefit from the great variety of tones that come from this baby. I also used in the mastering chain lately, giving my track an edge so it sounded the way I liked it. And that is the purpose of having something in your signalpath isn't it? It has to be there for a reason.

Insert the Vst, go happy with the input level, the amp level, dial in some brilliance, focus the effect on just the higher frequencies, dial in whatever you want. You will likeley discover a colour that you like.