Limiter

Music Tech || MT CA2 - The Digital Audio Workstation

What is a limiter?

An extreme form of compression.

What are the similarities/differences of a limiter and a compressor?

• It works in exactly the same way as a compressor.

• The main difference is that is has a fixed high ratio.

• This is usually set to 20:1.

What is a fixed ratio?

You cannot change the ratio.

What does the ratio of 20:1 mean?

• For limiting to happen the ratio needs to be set at 20:1.

• This means that for every 20dB of input signal the limiter will only output 1dB.

Why would someone use a limiter?

• To increase the average volume of a mix.

• This makes the mix louder and ready to be played on the radio, in clubs and streamed online.

• Increased volume comes at a cost of reduced dynamic range, so limiting should be applied with caution as too much can ruin a great sounding mix.

Describe the metering in the limiter.

• Input: level of signal going into the limiter.

• Reduction: amount the signal is being turned down.

• Output: level of signal going out of the limiter.

What does the gain do on the limiter?

• Controls the level at which the input signal goes into the limiter.

• The more that is added, the more limiting (compression) will take place.

• This is instead of having different ratio and threshold controls.

• Limiters are fixed threshold and ratio compressors.

What does the release do on the limiter?

• This is the speed at which the limiter will start to let go of the incoming signal once it falls back below the fixed threshold.

  • Fast release: the limiter will very quickly stop limiting the signal, only limiting the initial parts of the signal.

  • Slow release: the limiter will take longer top stop limiting a signal, turning the signal down for longer periods of time.

Describe what the output level does in the limiter.

• The is the overall output volume after the limiting has taken place.

• This is different to make-up gain.

• The limiter will not let the signal go above this level it will limit it from doing so.

• This is the parameter that lead to limiters being known as brickwall limiters.