Topmusicanswers
Limiters are essentially compressors with extremely high compression ratios. Although limiters and compressors both work by reducing (attenuating) transients and loud signals, the amount of gain reduction applied by a limiter is determined by an output ceiling control set by the user.
- When should you use a limiter?
- What does a limiter do to a sound?
- How do you set a limiter?
- Does limiter change the sound?
When should you use a limiter?
A limiter, however, is usually used for one reason: to catch the loudest moments of a source, bringing them down in a way that a) protects against unwanted distortion, and b) maintains the integrity of the mix's overall balance/color.
What does a limiter do to a sound?
A limiter takes compression to the extreme and provides more use in the mastering process than during mixing. In fact, a limiter is a type of compressor with a really high ratio. As its name suggests, limiting sets a limit, or ceiling to the output level. In other words, no sound beyond that threshold can get through.
How do you set a limiter?
To set a limiter, first identify the loudest section of a song. This is the part where the limiter will react most drastically. It is best to check for distortion in this area. Once you've found the loudest part of the song, insert a limiter of your choice on your master bus and listen to your recording.
Does limiter change the sound?
So Why Does Compressing Or Limiting Make A Sound Seem Louder? As you know, compressing – or limiting – turns down the loudest parts of an audio signal. This effectively leads to a smaller dynamic range, the difference in volume within the audio signal.
