I do, quite a lot. When I need to control peaks I use limiters, at the end of the chain, after compression. Vocals, bass, tambourines / shakers. For rock drums I use saturation to control peaks, unless they are particularly unconsistent then I would use limiters on top as well. I find limiters to work and sound much better than compressors with 0 attack time and 1:infinite ratio
I use it when I do final master. I mix the song and then save it to a stereo wave file. I open it and master, eq + classic master limiter.. thanks for the advice. I'm a novice t this and your video explanation was very helpful...so much to know...
Agreed! I've watched many videos on compression, threshold and ratios, and this is the first time any explanation has made sense to me. Excellently explained!
That was comprehensive and straight to the point. Thank you for valuing our time man! Got a limiter on my Bass Amp and always wondered how it is different to compression. Will probably splash on a compression pedal later on when i get the money for a good one. Cheers!
i know the technical difference is the ratio level, but the most practical way to explain the difference in practice is that a compressor is more for balance while a limiter is more about volume. compressor compresses all the sound 'together' while limiter limits the peak volumes.
I've watched many videos on compression, threshold and ratios, and this is the first time any explanation has made sense to me. Excellently explained! Thank you so much for this. Subbed and liked.
Well. From my personal perspective, I always admits that music production is such which you can earn all not even a pro, however, waking up everyday to learn more is such a genius moves to be a better version of your desire. This video is truly priceless to me. Thanks so much 🙏🏿
i had a teacher once who just said... "It's all in the names. Compression compresses the dynamic range of whatever its applied to and Limiters LIMIT the headroom of the source they are used on". I know thats not totally accurate but a good place to start learning
I stopped the video at minute 2:49 just to say thank you, Rob. I've heard the explanation about compression before and I think I "kinda got it". Being the visual person that I am though, now I really got it... I'm loving the new format that you're using. Love love love it... Thank you.
A limiter and a compressor are both types of audio processing tools that are used to control the dynamic range of a signal. However, they work in slightly different ways and are used for different purposes. A compressor is a type of dynamic range processor that reduces the level of the loudest parts of a signal. It does this by applying a ratio to the signal, which determines how much the loudest parts will be reduced in level. For example, a ratio of 4:1 means that for every 4 dB that the signal exceeds the threshold, it will be reduced by 1 dB. This allows a compressor to even out the levels of a signal and make it sound more consistent. A limiter, on the other hand, is a type of compressor with a very high ratio, typically greater than 10:1. This means that it reduces the level of the loudest parts of a signal much more aggressively than a compressor. A limiter is often used as a final stage in a signal chain to prevent the signal from exceeding a certain level. This can be useful for preventing distortion or clipping, especially in a live sound setting. In summary, a compressor is used to even out the levels of a signal and control the dynamic range, while a limiter is used to prevent the signal from exceeding a certain level and avoid distortion. Both can be useful tools in the audio engineer's toolkit, depending on the situation and the desired result.
Thank you so much for actually explaining what these terms such as "threshold" and "ratio" really mean, and not doing what other video do and just explain what methods they do in their own way. Super thumbs up!
I use a limiter on individual channels. but VERY VERY lightly. I look at it like this. there's kind of a loudness control that needs to be adjusted based on what we hear. It's what sounds right, it doesn't have to do with what's technically this or mathematically that, it has to do with the listening experience. THAT is for the COMPRESSOR. Then there's a technical control. This is how your waveform is looking in your DAW, this is all about method, math, accuracy. It's not about making something SOUND louder or quieter so much, it's about catching all those little stray hairs. Like, you have a track, you used a compressor(s) on it, it sounds where you want it to, what's coming out of your speakers is on point, but the track has like 3 to 5 transients that are just spiking up higher than all the other transients. Maybe because you're using a compressor like a CLA where you're getting nice color but also getting those spots where the attack slips and you get those big spikes every so often, or a spot where there's just some inaudible spike in your waveform because of a series of plugins or whatever it be, but you just wanna make sure you're not dealing with those stray spikes in your waveform further down the line. I guess you could say it's my way of being extra thorough in my gain staging process. but on the end of every track that has any issues like that, I'll pop on a limiter. The goal is to keep it as transparent as possible, I absolutely don't want to HEAR it there. I just want to even out all my transients. Like give my waveform a haircut. Just a LITTLE off the top. JUST so it's even. In closing, I guess you could say my take on it is, compressors are meant to be heard, to change how things sound. Whereas limiters are not meant to be heard, only to be seen in the waveform keeping the transients consistent, keeping everything technically controlled. One shapes the sound, one is just a transient control / a gain-staging tool.
I use limiters on individual tracks, particularly on vocals. I do retro-pop: 60's influenced over-produced self-indulgent crap. I loved this video and I love the cheat sheet. As people have stated below: this is the most concise, sympathetic explanation of a terribly murky subject for many of us. Thanks, Rob. You rock!!
So wait, the compression ratio 2:1 means for every db above threshold turn the volume down by 1/2 that amount, right ? So when you turn up a compression ratio, it becomes smaller, so that means a limiter is technically a 1:1 ratio, not a infinity : 1 if i understood correctly, cause that would mean for every db above the threshold we'd turn the volume down the same amount, and that would make the volume never go up above the threshold.
Thanks, I watched a few videos prior to this one and was still confused about the difference between the two but this illustration was very helpful. 👍🏻
Wow... u are the best..thank you so much for that.im finally getting a kind of grip re compression.. and up until now was clueless regarding the limiter.. thank you Rob
I use ableton for DJ applications like making megamixes. I tediously use automation to punch up or lower the volume on each clip and track so the loudness sounds about the same going throughout. Your explanation here makes a lot of sense and I will see how I could apply this to a DJ mix.
I'm mixing mostly synths, VST and hardware ones. For the latter I'm using a limiter or each because it is so easy to create big peaks in all frequency ranges and to destroy speakers and ears ! But in other situations I'm using compressors, and always a limiter at the end of mix buss. What you said confirm I was doing it right (for once !) so it's cool, thanks for your videos, it is not too long and very informative.
Thanks for these videos really helpful. I started out learning basics in my D.A.W and put learning compression off for a while not realising how essential it was. I started learning but was very confused and possibly watched misguided tutorials! I have watched quite a few of your videos and they have really helped me get to grips with it finally. I hearing it better and understanding it when I use it to process sounds and the confidence really helps too! So yeah thanks!
limiters are so different than compressors. Idk how someone could mistake the two. I just had no idea really what the knobs on the compressor meant, and this video definitely explained it for me, so thanks
Finally, a video that actually explains this clearly. Excellent communication skills sir! :) I went through a lot of very poor videos before I got to this one. I've subscribed!
So what about the mastering. What the mastering have must to do on literally or good for..? Are you saving the song first after you done the mixing, and then put the file on new project for do the final mastering. Or you just do for final mastering in one project while mixing, but it’s done for the mixing. maybe add the more buss channel for input like eq, compressor, limiter then it’s for the final mastering. So how??
I got the concept of the Limiter now but was thrown a bit when you showed the example in realtime where dropping the threshold made the whole song louder. Not really sure what happened there. And from the few videos I've seen about limiting there's always some mention about seeing x dBs of limiting being a sort of sweet spot. But where do these values come from? Not sure what those numbers mean as far as what's happening.
Well explained thanks! But limiting then sounds very 'simple', so what would be the difference between the large variety of limiter plugins available? And what makes one limiter better than another?
So w this knowledge, should put a limiter on the master? Some pros say yes and for certain genres and other say if you’re starting out only, but that restricts you to understand how to mix? How do you go abt debunking this
I do hip hop so , i use a limiter on the kick nd snare( sometimes ) . I use compression on my samples and instruments( when needed ) . And limiter on master track
Using a limiter on individual tracks cuts away the punch and leaves the waveform flat which usually sounds unnatural. To avoid this, I like to use a slow-attack compressor to shave a few db’s off the tail of the flat spots. This hides the use of a limiter very well imo.
on your Slate VMR there is an 1176 Limiting amplifier.. wait.. does that mean that you are limiting somewhere else then on the master bus? yes and you should! Do use those LA-2A, 1176 etc on your tracks for colour and control!
I never thought that anyone would be massively using the limiter on individual tracks, but now that EDM is over the top, everyone gives their 808 & kick a whacky boost, till it clips and beyond (in place of just using an overdrive for juicing it up a bit, they are doing it the Angus Young way, turning up the knob, lol) and then they put a limiter on the chain
So i get that the limiter auto-magically stops all sound from going over a certain amount, you mentioned the 2db threshold.. that's great for this plugin, but if i'm using hardware limiters like my alesis micro limiter or maybe a plugin that doesn't share that information, then just trust your ears to make sure it's doing the right thing?
Great video! Hello, I have a couple questions. I'm afraid that the limiter will defeat the purpose of the compressor. You apply the limiter, it causes the overall sound to become louder. Wouldn't that cause the compressor to see more dB going past its threshold? Do I need to go back and set the ratio higher on the compressor since the limiter has lifted up the overall volume? Let me know, thanks in advance. I'm still learning, too.
great explanation. I am a novice recording nerd. Making my own audio music CDs with Presonus Studio 1 Artist. I seem to like the sound that using a limiter produces since my keyboard can be quite powerful. But I read if you use a limiter all the time, it might produce a bland CD with no variation in dynamics. Is that when compression would be better to use?
What about the use of Limiters in a live rig (eg: a guitar or bass pedalboard)? Unfortunately, I am completely ignorant with regard to recording. Haven't recorded anything since before the days of digital, and I didn't do much audio engineering. I'm old.
Do you use limiters on individual channels, or just on your mix buss?
Most of the times in master bus, but sometimes on individual tracks if I don´t want that very high peak enter on the plugin chain and distorted all.
I do, quite a lot. When I need to control peaks I use limiters, at the end of the chain, after compression. Vocals, bass, tambourines / shakers. For rock drums I use saturation to control peaks, unless they are particularly unconsistent then I would use limiters on top as well. I find limiters to work and sound much better than compressors with 0 attack time and 1:infinite ratio
On individual channels when the sound is too high. I never had to use it on the mix buss so far.
I use it when I do final master. I mix the song and then save it to a stereo wave file. I open it and master, eq + classic master limiter.. thanks for the advice. I'm a novice t this and your video explanation was very helpful...so much to know...
Mix Bus
My brother, I must tell you that you explain in a very precise and simple way, I understood things that I could not understand anywhere
Happy to help!
Agreed! I've watched many videos on compression, threshold and ratios, and this is the first time any explanation has made sense to me. Excellently explained!
Such a great explanation - one of the most clear and understandable I've come across.
Really appreciate it :)
Glad to help!
and still is !!!!
@@chozen_666 Yep, the only video that made me understand that ratio thing no one wants to explain
As a visual learner this FINALLY made me understand Compression. Thank you so much
Awesome! Glad we could help :)
This is the best explanation for Compression and Limiting I have seen. Thank you so much.
Glad to help!
That was comprehensive and straight to the point. Thank you for valuing our time man! Got a limiter on my Bass Amp and always wondered how it is different to compression. Will probably splash on a compression pedal later on when i get the money for a good one. Cheers!
i know the technical difference is the ratio level, but the most practical way to explain the difference in practice is that a compressor is more for balance while a limiter is more about volume. compressor compresses all the sound 'together' while limiter limits the peak volumes.
I've watched many videos on compression, threshold and ratios, and this is the first time any explanation has made sense to me. Excellently explained! Thank you so much for this. Subbed and liked.
Glad we could help!
Well. From my personal perspective, I always admits that music production is such which you can earn all not even a pro, however, waking up everyday to learn more is such a genius moves to be a better version of your desire. This video is truly priceless to me. Thanks so much 🙏🏿
i had a teacher once who just said... "It's all in the names. Compression compresses the dynamic range of whatever its applied to and Limiters LIMIT the headroom of the source they are used on". I know thats not totally accurate but a good place to start learning
Agreed!
I stopped the video at minute 2:49 just to say thank you, Rob. I've heard the explanation about compression before and I think I "kinda got it". Being the visual person that I am though, now I really got it...
I'm loving the new format that you're using. Love love love it... Thank you.
Carlos, so glad to hear we could help! Thank you for the positive feedback!
FANTASTIC analogies....really helps understanding the differences....
Woah thanks god I found this video. I’ve digged compression and peak limiting, but now I’ve really understood HOW to set them. Great lesson man!
A limiter and a compressor are both types of audio processing tools that are used to control the dynamic range of a signal. However, they work in slightly different ways and are used for different purposes.
A compressor is a type of dynamic range processor that reduces the level of the loudest parts of a signal. It does this by applying a ratio to the signal, which determines how much the loudest parts will be reduced in level. For example, a ratio of 4:1 means that for every 4 dB that the signal exceeds the threshold, it will be reduced by 1 dB. This allows a compressor to even out the levels of a signal and make it sound more consistent.
A limiter, on the other hand, is a type of compressor with a very high ratio, typically greater than 10:1. This means that it reduces the level of the loudest parts of a signal much more aggressively than a compressor. A limiter is often used as a final stage in a signal chain to prevent the signal from exceeding a certain level. This can be useful for preventing distortion or clipping, especially in a live sound setting.
In summary, a compressor is used to even out the levels of a signal and control the dynamic range, while a limiter is used to prevent the signal from exceeding a certain level and avoid distortion. Both can be useful tools in the audio engineer's toolkit, depending on the situation and the desired result.
Sometimes I use a limiter on individual tracks if there are some very annoying peaks.
Thank you so much for actually explaining what these terms such as "threshold" and "ratio" really mean, and not doing what other video do and just explain what methods they do in their own way. Super thumbs up!
I use a limiter on individual channels. but VERY VERY lightly. I look at it like this. there's kind of a loudness control that needs to be adjusted based on what we hear. It's what sounds right, it doesn't have to do with what's technically this or mathematically that, it has to do with the listening experience. THAT is for the COMPRESSOR. Then there's a technical control. This is how your waveform is looking in your DAW, this is all about method, math, accuracy. It's not about making something SOUND louder or quieter so much, it's about catching all those little stray hairs. Like, you have a track, you used a compressor(s) on it, it sounds where you want it to, what's coming out of your speakers is on point, but the track has like 3 to 5 transients that are just spiking up higher than all the other transients. Maybe because you're using a compressor like a CLA where you're getting nice color but also getting those spots where the attack slips and you get those big spikes every so often, or a spot where there's just some inaudible spike in your waveform because of a series of plugins or whatever it be, but you just wanna make sure you're not dealing with those stray spikes in your waveform further down the line. I guess you could say it's my way of being extra thorough in my gain staging process. but on the end of every track that has any issues like that, I'll pop on a limiter. The goal is to keep it as transparent as possible, I absolutely don't want to HEAR it there. I just want to even out all my transients. Like give my waveform a haircut. Just a LITTLE off the top. JUST so it's even.
In closing, I guess you could say my take on it is, compressors are meant to be heard, to change how things sound. Whereas limiters are not meant to be heard, only to be seen in the waveform keeping the transients consistent, keeping everything technically controlled. One shapes the sound, one is just a transient control / a gain-staging tool.
I use limiters on individual tracks, particularly on vocals. I do retro-pop: 60's influenced over-produced self-indulgent crap. I loved this video and I love the cheat sheet. As people have stated below: this is the most concise, sympathetic explanation of a terribly murky subject for many of us. Thanks, Rob. You rock!!
Most of the times I don't even comment on YT, but this is the most dinamic and easiest tip that I ever seen... Shout outs from Brazil!
Glad it helped!
So wait, the compression ratio 2:1 means for every db above threshold turn the volume down by 1/2 that amount, right ? So when you turn up a compression ratio, it becomes smaller, so that means a limiter is technically a 1:1 ratio, not a infinity : 1 if i understood correctly, cause that would mean for every db above the threshold we'd turn the volume down the same amount, and that would make the volume never go up above the threshold.
I find you the easiest to understand and you're just very likeable, I dont get annoyed by you.
Thanks, I watched a few videos prior to this one and was still confused about the difference between the two but this illustration was very helpful. 👍🏻
I am not at the end of the video and you already helped me a lot, thank you
i like the mixbot too, explained very simply and clear!!!
Thank you so much for the video
the best explanation of limiter and compressor I could find today.
Awesome! So glad we could help :)
The simplest explanation i found on YT. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful explanation and editing.
Excellent video and explanation. Thank you!
Best explanation I've seen on RUclips. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Wow... u are the best..thank you so much for that.im finally getting a kind of grip re compression.. and up until now was clueless regarding the limiter.. thank you Rob
Beautiful tutorial, easy to follow, and the visuals were fantastic. Instant subscriber. Thans for putting this out.
Glad to help!
Awesome visual explanation!
CLA uses a Waves L1 (that many people hate) on several channels, to give a controlled crunch. I'm still experimenting... Thanks for you channel!
THANK YOU for this tutorial!!! I finally understood it. That was very good and understandable explained
I use ableton for DJ applications like making megamixes. I tediously use automation to punch up or lower the volume on each clip and track so the loudness sounds about the same going throughout. Your explanation here makes a lot of sense and I will see how I could apply this to a DJ mix.
Man you're an awesome professor!!!! Thank you sir
Thank you so much!! So much clarity!!!♥️♥️♥️
That was the best compression explanation I've ever heard. thanks!
Happy to help!
I finally understand the difference! Thank you!!!
I'm mixing mostly synths, VST and hardware ones. For the latter I'm using a limiter or each because it is so easy to create big peaks in all frequency ranges and to destroy speakers and ears ! But in other situations I'm using compressors, and always a limiter at the end of mix buss. What you said confirm I was doing it right (for once !) so it's cool, thanks for your videos, it is not too long and very informative.
Awesome! Glad we could help you out.
Super smart illustration of a very complexe subject! Bravo! Merci!
Thanks! Glad you liked it :)
Well explained. Thank you!
I'm at 1:49 --this man is an Absolute teaching prodigy.
Thanks for these videos really helpful. I started out learning basics in my D.A.W and put learning compression off for a while not realising how essential it was. I started learning but was very confused and possibly watched misguided tutorials! I have watched quite a few of your videos and they have really helped me get to grips with it finally. I hearing it better and understanding it when I use it to process sounds and the confidence really helps too! So yeah thanks!
Excellent explanation! Couldn't have simplified it any better :) Thank you!
This is a WOW WOW WOW explaination
limiters are so different than compressors. Idk how someone could mistake the two. I just had no idea really what the knobs on the compressor meant, and this video definitely explained it for me, so thanks
Finally, a video that actually explains this clearly. Excellent communication skills sir! :) I went through a lot of very poor videos before I got to this one. I've subscribed!
Awesome, glad you enjoyed!
4:26 this lol. Hands down, first video anyone should watch when they get into compression. Well presented.
Awesome explanation brotha! Gratsi! 😎🎼💯
Happy to help!
For clarity for a newbie, what is a mix buss? Can you show me how to get on the mix buss? Loving your teaching.
Mix bus is a bus where some mixing plugins are and also the mix chain
cool video,l very helpful. Watching at work with nothing to do and still keeping productive YEAH BABY!
very good explanation! i was wondering if a compressor can also be used to avoid clipping?
Hello. Very very educational info really. I would like to know what is the diff between a limiting of (1: infinity) and (infinity: 1)
Thank you for the awesome explanation! The mixbot animation was VERY helpful. =D
Wow. very easy to understand. Nice teaching. Love it.
Thank you! So glad we could help :)
This is so easy to understand. you're a genius, thankyou!!!
So glad we could help!
So what about the mastering. What the mastering have must to do on literally or good for..? Are you saving the song first after you done the mixing, and then put the file on new project for do the final mastering. Or you just do for final mastering in one project while mixing, but it’s done for the mixing. maybe add the more buss channel for input like eq, compressor, limiter then it’s for the final mastering. So how??
Great explanations. Same apply for live practice? Bass guitar specifically. Compression or limiter pedal for rock style music thru a 4x10. Thanks!
I got the concept of the Limiter now but was thrown a bit when you showed the example in realtime where dropping the threshold made the whole song louder. Not really sure what happened there. And from the few videos I've seen about limiting there's always some mention about seeing x dBs of limiting being a sort of sweet spot. But where do these values come from? Not sure what those numbers mean as far as what's happening.
Probably my most fav. Video this 😀
Finally!! A video that made me understand. Thanks for that
No problem!
Now I know. Thank you sow much bro. 🙏🙏🙏
What a wonderful video, thank you so much! The animations really add to the lesson
Thanks! Glad you like them :)
Fantastic explanation! Thank you!!
Our pleasure! Thanks you for watching.
Great explanations as always, I never used a limiter before
Glad we could help!
Well explained thanks! But limiting then sounds very 'simple', so what would be the difference between the large variety of limiter plugins available? And what makes one limiter better than another?
Great advice. Not sure about the mix bus as I don't always send everything to one bus - could you put the limiter on the stereo output instead?
Thank you! Very well explained and helpful.
So w this knowledge, should put a limiter on the master? Some pros say yes and for certain genres and other say if you’re starting out only, but that restricts you to understand how to mix? How do you go abt debunking this
Well explained. Sorry, but by mix buss do you mean master track? (Excuse me, I'm still a newbie)
LOVE this video man, thank you! Just a heads up, when I clicked the link, it opened in the current tab instead of opening in a new one! :)
I do hip hop so , i use a limiter on the kick nd snare( sometimes ) . I use compression on my samples and instruments( when needed ) . And limiter on master track
Why not compression on the kicks and snares?
Thanks bro !!!! Much Appreciated !!!!
Very useful and easy to understand!
i use compresor but limiter I never realy understood till now!!! Thank's alot... :)
thank youuuuuuuu !! This saved me !!
Using a limiter on individual tracks cuts away the punch and leaves the waveform flat which usually sounds unnatural. To avoid this, I like to use a slow-attack compressor to shave a few db’s off the tail of the flat spots. This hides the use of a limiter very well imo.
That was cool. Thank you!
I sometimes use limiter on the kick in heavy distorted beats. Fabfilter Pro-L with "almost clipping" setting gives it an amazing punch
Very interesting, sure it's a unique sound.
on your Slate VMR there is an 1176 Limiting amplifier.. wait.. does that mean that you are limiting somewhere else then on the master bus? yes and you should! Do use those LA-2A, 1176 etc on your tracks for colour and control!
great video but the cheat sheet link only links to classes. i hope i dont get a ton of spam in my emails now.
I never thought that anyone would be massively using the limiter on individual tracks, but now that EDM is over the top, everyone gives their 808 & kick a whacky boost, till it clips and beyond (in place of just using an overdrive for juicing it up a bit, they are doing it the Angus Young way, turning up the knob, lol) and then they put a limiter on the chain
Well, not having a mixbuss, yet thinking I understand this now, why does BOSS make a Limiter pedal? The LM-2. That I don't understand. Thanks.
So i get that the limiter auto-magically stops all sound from going over a certain amount, you mentioned the 2db threshold.. that's great for this plugin, but if i'm using hardware limiters like my alesis micro limiter or maybe a plugin that doesn't share that information, then just trust your ears to make sure it's doing the right thing?
When it comes to mixing heavy metal I struggle with getting my mixes to sound loud but always had trouble with clipping issues.
Super helpful thanks!
And thank you for the video!
The explanation was really clear! It really helped me a lot on my lessons! New subscriber here! :D
I like ur ending music,i want to hear the full version plz
Great video! Hello, I have a couple questions. I'm afraid that the limiter will defeat the purpose of the compressor. You apply the limiter, it causes the overall sound to become louder. Wouldn't that cause the compressor to see more dB going past its threshold? Do I need to go back and set the ratio higher on the compressor since the limiter has lifted up the overall volume? Let me know, thanks in advance. I'm still learning, too.
great explanation. I am a novice recording nerd. Making my own audio music CDs with Presonus Studio 1 Artist. I seem to like the sound that using a limiter produces since my keyboard can be quite powerful. But I read if you use a limiter all the time, it might produce a bland CD with no variation in dynamics. Is that when compression would be better to use?
Very helpful man!
What about the use of Limiters in a live rig (eg: a guitar or bass pedalboard)?
Unfortunately, I am completely ignorant with regard to recording. Haven't recorded anything since before the days of digital, and I didn't do much audio engineering. I'm old.
M A S T E R P I E C E
of didatics.
thanks a lot!
What about compressors? There are tons of them, which one would i know to use on which part of the track?
I put my email in but did not receive the compression cheat sheet....
Zp5
Wonderfull....
I understand now.
Thank for this video !
Thanks for the video mate! Helped alot!
Just to make sure I got this right, if the ratio is 2:1, then for every 2db it goes over the threshold, the compressor reduces the signal by 1db?