10.6

79Logic Pro Effects
• Expanders: Expanders are similar to compressors, except that they raise, rather than
lower, the signal when it exceeds the threshold. Expanders are used to add life to
audio signals. See Logic Pro Expander.
• Limiters: Limiters (also called peak limiters) work in a similar way to compressors in
that they reduce the audio signal when it exceeds a set threshold. The difference is that
whereas a compressor gradually lowers signal levels that exceed the threshold, a limiter
quickly reduces any signal that is louder than the threshold to the threshold level. The
main use of a limiter is to prevent clipping while preserving the maximum overall signal
level. See Logic Pro Adaptive Limiter and Logic Pro Limiter.
• Noise gates: Noise gates alter the signal in a way that is opposite to that used by
compressors or limiters. Whereas a compressor lowers the level when the signal is
louder than the threshold, a noise gate lowers the signal level whenever it falls below
the threshold. Louder sounds pass through unchanged, but softer sounds, such as
ambient noise or the decay of a sustained instrument, are cut off. Noise gates are
often used to eliminate low-level noise or hum from an audio signal. See Noise Gate.
Logic Pro Adaptive Limiter
Adaptive Limiter is a versatile tool for controlling the perceived loudness of sounds. It
works by rounding and smoothing peaks in the signal, producing an effect similar to an
analog amplifier being driven hard. Like an amplifier, it can slightly color the sound of
the signal. You can use Adaptive Limiter to achieve maximum gain, without introducing
unwanted distortion and clipping, which can occur when the signal exceeds 0 dBFS.
Adaptive Limiter is typically used on the final mix, where it can be placed after a
compressor, such as Multipressor, and before a final gain control, resulting in a mix of
maximum loudness. Adaptive Limiter can produce a louder-sounding mix than can be
achieved by normalizing the signal.
Note: Using Adaptive Limiter adds latency when the Lookahead parameter is active.
The effect is typically used for mixing and mastering previously recorded tracks, not
while recording. Bypass Adaptive Limiter while recording.
Adaptive Limiter parameters
• Input meters: Show input levels in real time. The Margin field shows the peak input level.
You can reset the Margin field by clicking it.
• Reduction meter: Show the amount of gain reduction. The Margin field shows the peak
reduction level. You can reset the Margin field by clicking it.
• Output meters: Show output levels of the limited signal. The Margin field shows the
peak output level. You can reset the Margin field by clicking it.