Measuring Transparency

[danika]

Are there any generally accepted tests for measuring transparency for compressors and limiters?

[wado1942]

The best way I've found to test a compressor is to play some uncomressed music though it and see how it changes the sound.

[fader8]

Originally Posted by danika

Are there any generally accepted tests for measuring transparency for compressors and limiters?

No.

Originally Posted by wado1942

The best way I've found to test a compressor is to play some uncomressed music though it and see how it changes the sound.

And that still remains the very best way. You can evaluate a limiter under very precise conditions, as was the case with this thread. But that doesn't give you an idea of how it performs under all conditions. For example, some are better at dealing with transients, while others may sound more transparent with steady-state signals than others. I've reached the opinion where you need a variety of these things and use them for what each is best at.