Limiter on master

1. Should you put a limiter on the Master?
2. What does a limiter on the master do?
3. How many limiters are on the master?

Should you put a limiter on the Master?

You don't NEED to use a limiter on the master channel. Just drop your levels in the mix and ensure you have lots of headroom. When mastering the track (which is different from mixing altogether), then you can apply EQ, Compression (often Opto) and then a brickwall limiter to ensure nothing gets past 0db.

What does a limiter on the master do?

A limiter allows you to bring up the level without allowing the peaks to clip. Modern mastering limiter plugins are extremely precise in catching peaks and won't allow anything to pass through over their set ceiling, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “peak” or “brick wall” limiters.

How many limiters are on the master?

Despite this, using 2 limiters instead of one can maintain the quality of your master. The reason being, if you use one limiter excessively, the processing will become noticeable – especially if that limiter employs any form of harmonic generation, or unexpected artifacts when pushed.