Transparent Limiter

jkung · 15th January 2008

I have a synidcated radio show that i just started recording live. We have 4 mics and a DJ setup. We record live 6 tracks into PT and then mixdown. I have been having problems setting up my levels with the DJ setup. Alot of the songs are at different levels so it is difficult to get the right levels into PT.

I am thinking about adding a limiter between the DJ setup and PT. would this help? are there any cheap limiters that are transparent? I would not want the limiter adding any character to the songs....

Could i go the cheap route and use a VSTi or Software Limiter without latency? I have another computer with VST stack on it. Could I use this as a limiter??

tINY · 15th January 2008

The old stand-by digital leveler is good here. Use your fingers to set levels.

Limiters will not help as they tend to change the dynamics of hotter levels.

-tINY

Ciozzi · 15th January 2008

I don't know what you mean by "cheap" but the only thing that comes to my mind if you don't want to spend a lot is the Aphex Compellor.

The apogee softlimit is a good one but colored plus it's not available in a standalone version. The best one that I've tried so far, in terms of transparency and loudness is the Pendulum PL2 but sadly it's not cheap at all...

Last thing... I HATE digital limiters...stay away from them tutt

chillytc · 15th January 2008

Two thoughts.

I haven't bought it yet but I am seriously eyeing the Retro Sta-Level which has been described as pretty transparent and is based on 1950s gear designed to do exactly what you want (limiting for broadcast).

On the much cheaper end of the spectrum, I find the Massey L2007 limiter plugin to be quite effective and transparent and it costs about 3.5% what the Sta-Level costs . . .

jkung · 18th January 2008

cool i will check those out. thanks for the love! Now i need to search to see if i can just my PC as a VST low latency effects box. I wanted to record into Logic with effects as plugins after the fact but that would still not work cuz i would be clipping to tape. ARGHHHH

Kiwiburger · 18th January 2008

If you are worried about clipping your A/D. just turn the gain down. You have a 24bit soundcard? There is no reason to get close to 0dBFS - adjust your gain so the absolute loudest sound you will record peaks at around -9dB and you should be good.

If you are really worried about uncontrolled peaks - have a look at these:

Mercenary Audio - Prism Over Killer Barrel Limiter, pair

E-Irizarry · 17th August 2008

You would need a VSTfx (VST f/x), not a VSTi.
And that VSTfx or DX fx plugin you would need would be either TC Limiter or Crysonic Spectra'PHY Transparent Limiter.

jinksdingo · 17th August 2008

So long as your not overdoing it Event Horizon remains fairly transparent.
Event Horizon | Stillwell Audio - It's About The Sound
For a little more Voxengo Elephant does a good job too.

vincentvangogo · 17th August 2008

Why would anyone want a limiter made from plexi-glass?

15th January 2008	#1
jkung Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Beijing, China Posts: 582 Thread Starter	Transparent Limiter I have a synidcated radio show that i just started recording live. We have 4 mics and a DJ setup. We record live 6 tracks into PT and then mixdown. I have been having problems setting up my levels with the DJ setup. Alot of the songs are at different levels so it is difficult to get the right levels into PT. I am thinking about adding a limiter between the DJ setup and PT. would this help? are there any cheap limiters that are transparent? I would not want the limiter adding any character to the songs.... Could i go the cheap route and use a VSTi or Software Limiter without latency? I have another computer with VST stack on it. Could I use this as a limiter??

18th January 2008	#6
Kiwiburger Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 4,075	If you are worried about clipping your A/D. just turn the gain down. You have a 24bit soundcard? There is no reason to get close to 0dBFS - adjust your gain so the absolute loudest sound you will record peaks at around -9dB and you should be good. If you are really worried about uncontrolled peaks - have a look at these: Mercenary Audio - Prism Over Killer Barrel Limiter, pair __________________ My carbon footprint is bigger than yours.

17th August 2008	#7
E-Irizarry Gear addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bangkok, THAILAND Posts: 404	You would need a VSTfx (VST f/x), not a VSTi. And that VSTfx or DX fx plugin you would need would be either TC Limiter or Crysonic Spectra'PHY Transparent Limiter. __________________ E. Irizarry anti-feminist R&B artist. ---- Vaya a mi sitio: http://www.youtube.com/user/SuavecitoBro2 o el otro: http://eirizarrythernbsinger.i.ph

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15th January 2008	#2
tINY Gear Guru Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 10,206	The old stand-by digital leveler is good here. Use your fingers to set levels. Limiters will not help as they tend to change the dynamics of hotter levels. -tINY

15th January 2008	#3
Ciozzi Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fano Posts: 928	I don't know what you mean by "cheap" but the only thing that comes to my mind if you don't want to spend a lot is the Aphex Compellor. The apogee softlimit is a good one but colored plus it's not available in a standalone version. The best one that I've tried so far, in terms of transparency and loudness is the Pendulum PL2 but sadly it's not cheap at all... Last thing... I HATE digital limiters...stay away from them tutt

15th January 2008	#4
chillytc Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Francisco Posts: 123	Two thoughts. I haven't bought it yet but I am seriously eyeing the Retro Sta-Level which has been described as pretty transparent and is based on 1950s gear designed to do exactly what you want (limiting for broadcast). On the much cheaper end of the spectrum, I find the Massey L2007 limiter plugin to be quite effective and transparent and it costs about 3.5% what the Sta-Level costs . . .

17th August 2008	#8
jinksdingo Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 480 1 Review written	So long as your not overdoing it Event Horizon remains fairly transparent. Event Horizon \| Stillwell Audio - It's About The Sound For a little more Voxengo Elephant does a good job too.

17th August 2008	#9
vincentvangogo Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Location: London Posts: 2,553	Why would anyone want a limiter made from plexi-glass?