Topmusicanswers
The ratio is the main difference between a compressor and a limiter. A compressor has a low ratio that turns down SOME of the volume when it goes above the threshold. A limiter has a huge ratio that turns down ALL of the volume that goes above the threshold.
- When should I use limiter instead of compressor?
- At what point does a compressor become a limiter?
- When should you use a limiter?
- What goes first compressor or limiter?
When should I use limiter instead of compressor?
Essentially, a compressor compresses the dynamic (volume) range of the track. A limiter on the other hand limits the amount of a signal passing through. Both use a user dialed in volume output cap (known as the threshold) but instead of taking the volume overage and compressing it, a limiter just completely removes it.
At what point does a compressor become a limiter?
Typically, a compressor is being used as a limiter when its ratio is set to 20:1 or higher. That means that the threshold essentially becomes the “limit” of the volume level. This often results in “blocked off” sound waves, as the peaks of a wave are essentially shaved off into a flat line.
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 goes first compressor or limiter?
As you rightly point out, low thresholds and low ratios are the order of the day for mix compression, though different people will suggest different tools for the job. However, whether you're using a multi-band or single-band compressor, it should be followed by a peak limiter to stop clipping.
