2009

Adaptive Limiter
The 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 the Adaptive Limiter to achieve maximum gain, without
introducing generally unwanted distortion and clipping, which can occur when the signal
exceeds 0 dBFS.
The Adaptive Limiter is typically used on the final mix, where it may be placed after a
compressor, such as the Multipressor, and before a final gain control, resulting in a mix
of maximum loudness. The Adaptive Limiter can produce a louder-sounding mix than
can be achieved by normalizing the signal.
Note: Using the Adaptive Limiter adds latency when the Lookahead parameter is active.
Usually it should be used for mixing and mastering previously recorded tracks, not while
recording.
• Input meters (to the left): Show the input levels in real time as the file or project plays.
The Margin field shows the highest input level. You can reset the Margin field by clicking
it.
• Input Scale knob and field: Scales the input level. Scaling is useful for handling very
high-level or low-level input signals. It essentially squeezes the higher and lower signal
levels into a range that allows the Gain knob to work effectively. In general, the input
level should never exceed 0 dBFS, which can result in unwanted distortion.
• Gain knob and field: Sets the amount of gain after input scaling.
89Chapter 4 Dynamics Processors