Limiting Vs Compression

Limiting Vs Compression FAQ

What is the difference between compression and limiting in music?

In recorded and live music, compression parameters may be adjusted to change the way they affect sounds. Compression and limiting are identical in process but different in degree and perceived effect. A limiter is a compressor with a high ratio and, generally, a short attack time .

What is limiting compression?

A higher ratio equals a greater amount of compression. Once you start entering a ratio of 10:1, this is typically considered as ‘limiting’. Brick wall limiting cranks the ratio even harder, along with an even faster attack time for that ‘choked’/’pumping’ sound.

What is a limiter compressor?

The answer is that a limiter is just a compressor with a very high ratio. Typically they have very fast attack and release times, too. (If you’re not quite clear on exactly what a compressor is or how best to use one, read my post on Using Compression first.) So, limiting is a pretty aggressive form of compression.

What is the difference between downward compression and limiter?

Downward compression reduces the volume of loud sounds above a certain threshold. The quiet sounds below the threshold remain unaffected. This is the most common type of compressor. A limiter can be thought of as an extreme form of downward compression as it compresses the sounds over the threshold especially hard.