How to use peak limiter?

jhaudio · 26th July 2007, 08:51 PM

I've only used digis peak limiter up till this point, and it is very easy to use. If I don't want a peak over -10, I just set the threshold to that and it works. After reading on here for a while, it seems like everyone uses and L2 or the Sony limiter. I got a demo of the oxford limiter and can't seem to use it right. When I try to limit peaks above -10, I set the Output fader to -10dB, but it lowers the whole program 10dB. It seems I can use the input gain to compensate, but that doesn't make sense? There isnt any "threshold" knob for when the limiter should work. What am I missing?

jh

macleodgrant · 26th July 2007, 10:20 PM

damn, you got me thinking!!! the way to do it though is to boost input level by 10dB and drop output level by 10dB, exactly the way you suggested - you got it right

makes perfect sense actually but i had to think about it!

very few limiters work like digi's, mostl;y crap ones. generally limiters are adaptive in that as you drop the threshold, the output is boosted so you have to compensate by dropping the output level - sony's just works a little different

TheGolfer · 27th July 2007, 01:58 PM

If you have been ask to have peaks at -10 dbfs , the average signal should be lower(around -20dbfs). I realized quickly that over limiting sound like $%#@. It is normal once you set the output level at -12 to sound lower in level. You are not trying to mix full scale(unless mixing for music for CD)but
rather try to fit within broadcast range. Gentle compressing combines with gentle limiting will definitely sound better...

macleodgrant · 27th July 2007, 04:26 PM

the golfer is right, you will have to drop the output level by 20dB! you then raise the input but 10dB which will give you -10dB output

TheGolfer · 30th July 2007, 12:52 AM

My apologizes I think I was not clear enough in my short explanation. If you have been ask to limit your peak at -10db for example, the first thing you need to do is set up the output threshold at -10db. This takes care of the peak provided you have a brickwall limiter as the sony oxford, waves L2 or wave arts limiter. The input threshold may be set to -5 or -6 db to get a reasonable 5 to 6 db of attenuation. You may squeeze it more by lowering the input threshold a little (-9...-12) but I personally hate to over do it.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
which is the best hardware for peak limiter or brickwall limiter ?	Lion	Mastering forum	36	11th September 2007 07:06 PM
Using 1/2" tape as a peak limiter	Bump Music	So much gear, so little time!	29	14th November 2006 05:20 PM
First true peak limiter?	Ribbledox	Geekslutz forum	17	22nd February 2006 09:15 PM
Inexpensive Peak Limiter?	moon_unit	So much gear, so little time!	5	28th March 2003 01:40 PM

26th July 2007, 08:51 PM	#1
jhaudio Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	How to use peak limiter? I've only used digis peak limiter up till this point, and it is very easy to use. If I don't want a peak over -10, I just set the threshold to that and it works. After reading on here for a while, it seems like everyone uses and L2 or the Sony limiter. I got a demo of the oxford limiter and can't seem to use it right. When I try to limit peaks above -10, I set the Output fader to -10dB, but it lowers the whole program 10dB. It seems I can use the input gain to compensate, but that doesn't make sense? There isnt any "threshold" knob for when the limiter should work. What am I missing? jh

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

26th July 2007, 10:20 PM	#2
macleodgrant Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,587	damn, you got me thinking!!! the way to do it though is to boost input level by 10dB and drop output level by 10dB, exactly the way you suggested - you got it right makes perfect sense actually but i had to think about it! very few limiters work like digi's, mostl;y crap ones. generally limiters are adaptive in that as you drop the threshold, the output is boosted so you have to compensate by dropping the output level - sony's just works a little different

27th July 2007, 01:58 PM	#3
TheGolfer Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 12	If you have been ask to have peaks at -10 dbfs , the average signal should be lower(around -20dbfs). I realized quickly that over limiting sound like $%#@. It is normal once you set the output level at -12 to sound lower in level. You are not trying to mix full scale(unless mixing for music for CD)but rather try to fit within broadcast range. Gentle compressing combines with gentle limiting will definitely sound better...

27th July 2007, 04:26 PM	#4
macleodgrant Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,587	the golfer is right, you will have to drop the output level by 20dB! you then raise the input but 10dB which will give you -10dB output

30th July 2007, 12:52 AM	#5
TheGolfer Gear interested Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 12	My apologizes I think I was not clear enough in my short explanation. If you have been ask to limit your peak at -10db for example, the first thing you need to do is set up the output threshold at -10db. This takes care of the peak provided you have a brickwall limiter as the sony oxford, waves L2 or wave arts limiter. The input threshold may be set to -5 or -6 db to get a reasonable 5 to 6 db of attenuation. You may squeeze it more by lowering the input threshold a little (-9...-12) but I personally hate to over do it.