What is a Limiter?
What is a Limiter? – An audio limiter is a powerful tool used in the mastering process of audio production. It acts a lot like an audio compressor, but with a few key differences.
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The primary function of an audio limiter is to set a limit, or ceiling, to the output level. In other words, no sound beyond that threshold can get through. This is why it’s often referred to as a ‘brick wall’. The limiter ensures that the song remains even throughout, preventing any part of the song from crossing the threshold.
Audio limiters come in two types: full-band and multi-band. Full-band limiters regard the frequency spectrum as a whole, without taking EQ into account. On the other hand, multi-band limiters offer more precision, allowing you to control several frequency bands separately.
How Do Limiters Differ from Compressors?
While both limiters and compressors are used to control the volume level of audio signals, they serve different functions and applications.
A compressor is used to shape the dynamic range of an audio signal by attenuating the loud parts and boosting the quiet parts. It focuses on individual tracks in the mix. The threshold indicates when the compression kicks in, while the ratio determines how much the signal gets reduced after reaching the threshold.
On the other hand, a limiter takes compression to the extreme and is more commonly used in the mastering process than during mixing. A limiter is essentially a compressor with a really high ratio. Its main purpose is to turn down (limit) audio peaks. It prevents audio from exceeding a certain threshold level, ensuring no distortion or clipping occurs.
When to Use Each One
Compressors are typically used to even out the levels of a recording, so that the quietest parts are audible and the loudest parts don’t clip or distort. They can be used in recording, mixing, and even in mastering.
Limiters, on the other hand, are usually used in mastering to make sure that the audio doesn’t exceed a certain level. They are also used on peaky instruments that otherwise sound fine, and on vocals, which can also spike suddenly.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between a compressor and a limiter is crucial in audio production. While they may seem similar, their uses and effects on the audio signal are distinct. Knowing when to use each one can greatly enhance the quality of your audio production.