How do I make my compressor limiter?

The main reason to use a compressor as a limiter is to control excessive peaks. To do this, you need to set the threshold fairly high and use a high ratio in the vicinity of 10:1. Setting the threshold fairly high means that the signal will not kick the compression into action, most of the time.

How many dB of compression do you need for mastering?

Most mastering engineers use high thresholds and low ratios (typically 1.25:1 or 1.5:1 – rarely anything more than 2:1) in order to achieve just 1 or 2 dB of gain reduction.

How does a compressor limiter work?

Essentially, a compressor compresses the dynamic (volume) range of the track. A limiter on the other hand limits the amount of a signal passing through. Both use a user dialed in volume output cap (known as the threshold) but instead of taking the volume overage and compressing it, a limiter just completely removes it.

Should a limiter go before or after compressor?

As you rightly point out, low thresholds and low ratios are the order of the day for mix compression, though different people will suggest different tools for the job. However, whether you’re using a multi-band or single-band compressor, it should be followed by a peak limiter to stop clipping.

At what ratio does a compressor become a limiter?

Typically, a compressor is being used as a limiter when its ratio is set to 20:1 or higher. That means that the threshold essentially becomes the “limit” of the volume level. This often results in “blocked off” sound waves, as the peaks of a wave are essentially shaved off into a flat line.

How do I make my master track louder without clipping?

You can make your mix louder without clipping by using a limiter. A limiter allows you to set peak loudness, preventing clipping, while also allowing you to increase the volume of all other sounds in your mix.

Should I put a limiter on my master?

Give yourself the “rule” that you will never put a limiter on your master fader while you are still mixing and you will go far. Rely solely on compression, EQ, and a your other bag of tools on a track by track basis to get things working nicely. If you limit while you mix, you will end up fighting with the limiter.

Should I put a compressor on every track?

It’s necessary to add compressors on each track to change the dynamics of the tracks. Generally you should record and mix at appropriate levels so that you don’t need to do any peak reduction to prevent distortion. Compressors give us control over the dynamics of a track.

What ratio does a compressor become a limiter?

Typically, a compressor is being used as a limiter when its ratio is set to 20:1 or higher. That means that the threshold essentially becomes the “limit” of the volume level.

How do you use mastering limiter?

To set a limiter, first identify the loudest section of a song. This is the part where the limiter will react most drastically. It is best to check for distortion in this area. Once you’ve found the loudest part of the song, insert a limiter of your choice on your master bus and listen to your recording.

Where does the limiter go in a chain?

Where do you put the limiter on a chain? A limiter should be the last step within your mastering chain. You can think of a limiter as an ultra-powerful compressor. Therefore, a limiter should be used sparingly so that your mix is amplified, but still dynamic.

What is the difference between a compressor and an expander?

Expanders are the opposite of compressors. While a compressor reduces level of a signal above a set threshold, expanders reduce level of signals below a threshold.