mixing

Limiting

What is a Limiter?

A limiter is a type of compressor with a very high ratio, usually 10:1 or higher, often considered to be ∞:1. This means that any signal above the threshold is barely allowed to get louder, or not at all. In simple terms, a limiter sets a strict ceiling for how loud your audio can get.

When Do You Use a Limiter?

The main purpose of using a limiter—especially on the Mix Bus—is to:

Catch transient peaks and make the mix louder without clipping.

It’s used at the end of the mastering chain to raise overall loudness safely, by allowing you to push the level up until it nearly hits 0 dBFS, while preventing digital distortion.

Limiter vs. Compressor

Feature Compressor Limiter
Ratio Low to medium (e.g., 2:1, 4:1) Very high (10:1 to ∞:1)
Purpose Controls dynamics Prevents peaks / maximizes loudness
Transparency Can shape tone with attack/release Aims to be transparent (in mastering)
Threshold Often set to manage average levels Set to catch only peaks

Common aspects:

  • Both use threshold, attack, release, and gain reduction.
  • Both control dynamics, but with different goals and intensity.

Lookahead

Lookahead is a feature that allows the limiter to “see into the future” by delaying the output slightly (usually a few milliseconds), so it can react to peaks in advance. This:

  • Prevents clipping more accurately
  • Allows shorter attack times without distortion
  • Can sound smoother on fast transients

Most modern limiters have lookahead enabled by default.

Attack and Release in a Limiter

  • Attack: How fast the limiter reacts to peaks.

    • Very fast attack = catches more transients, but can squash the punch.
    • Slightly slower attack = preserves transients, keeps drums punchy.

  • Release: How fast the limiter stops limiting after the signal drops below the threshold.

    • Fast release = louder and more aggressive, but can distort or pump.
    • Slower release = more natural, but can reduce perceived loudness.

Tip: Some limiters have auto-release, which adjusts dynamically to the material—great for mastering.

Summary

Use a limiter mainly at the end of your mix or mastering chain to:

  • Catch the loudest peaks
  • Increase overall loudness
  • Prevent clipping

Unlike a regular compressor, a limiter doesn’t aim to control the mix’s dynamic range creatively—it’s there to maximize impact safely and transparently.