Teach Me Audio

Limiter

A limiter is a type of compressor with a high ratio, typically 20:1 or more, used to prevent audio signals from exceeding a set level. Learn how limiters enhance audio by controlling peak levels for cleaner, distortion-free sound.

Limiter chart
Figure 1 - Brickwall limiter plugin

Limiter Applications

A limiter has two primary applications:

  1. Prevent distortion by keeping signal peaks below a certain level
  2. Preserve average signal amplitude by reducing extreme peaks that would otherwise lower overall volume.

Hard limiting, a technique where the threshold is set to affect the entire signal, can produce a compressed or "squashed" sound. This effect is popular in some rock and dance music styles.

Limiter chart
Figure 1 - Graph showing signal output with the ratio set at 20:1

Limiter Example: Percussion Beat

1. Percussion beat without a limiter:

Uncompressed sound wave
Figure 2 - Uncompressed waveform

Listen to the uncompressed percussion sound:

2. Limiter added to sound:

Limited sound wave
Figure 3 - Limited waveform
Listen to the limited percussion sound:
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