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Chapter 4 Dynamics 49
The Lookahead parameter allows the Limiter to look forward in the audio so that it can
react earlier to peak volumes by adjusting the amount of reduction. Using Lookahead
causes latency, but this latency has no perceptible effect when you use the Limiter as a
mastering effect, on previously recorded material. Set Lookahead to higher values if
you want the limiting effect to take place before the maximum level is reached,
creating a smoother transition.
Typically, you apply the Limiter as the very last effect in the mastering signal chain. In
this case, you use the Limiter to raise the overall volume of the signal, so that it reaches
but does not exceed 0 dB.
The Limiter is designed in such a way that if set to 0 dB Gain and 0 dB Output Level, it
has no effect (on a normalized signal). If the signal clips (red gain line), the Limiter—
using its basic settings—reduces the level before clipping can occur. (However, the
Limiter cannot fix audio that was clipped during recording).
Noise Gate
The Noise Gate is commonly used to suppress unwanted noise that is audible when the
audio signal is at a low level. You can use it to remove background noise, crosstalk from
other signal sources, and low-level hum, among other uses.
The Noise Gate works by allowing signals above the Threshold level to pass unimpeded
while reducing signals below the Threshold level. This allows you to remove lower-level
parts of the signal, while allowing the intended parts of the audio to pass.
Noise Gate Parameters
Main Parameters
 Threshold slider and field: Sets the level (in decibels) below which the signal is reduced.
 Reduction slider and field: Sets the amount by which the signal is reduced.
 Attack knob and field: Sets the amount of time it takes to fully open the gate after
the signal exceeds the threshold.