MIXING
Limiter, the last stage before loud
A limiter is a compressor with a ceiling it refuses to cross, the last stage that decides how loud a master gets without clipping. Push it and watch the reduction pile up.
Try it
- Lower the ceiling a little and push the input until the meter shows light reduction.
- Keep pushing input harder and watch reduction increase without the peak ever crossing the ceiling.
- Push it to an extreme and listen for pumping, the sound breathing in time with the loudest hits.
What to listen for
A little reduction adds density for free. A lot of reduction adds pumping, an audible breathing that can work for some genres and ruin others. There's no universal correct amount, only what the track calls for.
This tool is one part of the picture. Electronic Music Production for Beginners covers the rest.