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Chapter 4 Dynamics processors 93
Limiter
Limiter works much like a compressor but with one important dierence: where a compressor
proportionally reduces the signal when it exceeds the threshold, a limiter reduces any peak
above the threshold to the threshold level, eectively limiting the signal to this level.
Limiter is used primarily when mastering. Typically, you apply Limiter as the very last process in
the mastering signal chain, where it raises the overall volume of the signal so that it reaches, but
does not exceed, 0 dB.
Limiter is designed in such a way that if set to 0 dB Gain and 0 dB Output Level, it has no eect
on a normalized signal. If the signal clips, Limiter reduces the level before clipping can occur.
Limiter cannot, however, x audio that is clipped during recording.
Limiter parameters
•
Gain reduction meter: Shows the amount of limiting in real time.
•
Gain slider and eld: Drag to set the amount of gain applied to the input signal.
•
Lookahead slider and eld: Drag to adjust how far ahead (in milliseconds) Limiter analyzes
the audio signal. This enables it to react earlier to peak volumes by adjusting the amount
of reduction.
Note: Lookahead causes latency, but this has no perceptible eect when you use Limiter as a
mastering eect on prerecorded material. Set it to higher values if you want the limiting eect
to occur before the maximum level is reached, thus creating a smoother transition.
•
Release slider and eld: Drag to set the time it takes for Limiter to stop processing, after the
signal falls below the threshold level.
•
Output Level knob and eld: Rotate to set the output level of the signal.
•
Softknee button: Turn on to limit the signal only when it reaches the threshold. The transition to
full limiting is nonlinear, producing a softer, less abrupt eect, and reducing distortion artifacts
that can be produced by hard limiting.
•
Inter Sample Peak Detection checkbox (Extended Parameters area): Select to detect inter-sample
peaks in the signal.