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What is the simplest way to understand and use limiters and compressors in music production, and how do they differ from each other to produce a professional-sounding mix?
A limiter is a type of compressor with a very high compression ratio, typically above 10:1, to prevent loud sounds from exceeding a certain level and damaging equipment or ears.
Compressors and limiters are both used to control the dynamics of an audio signal, but compressors are used to even out the levels of a recording, while limiters are used to prevent loud sounds from getting out of control.
The compression ratio is the ratio of the input signal to the output signal, with higher ratios resulting in more compression and a more dramatic reduction in dynamic range.
The threshold is the level above which the compressor or limiter starts to reduce the signal, and is usually set just above the average level of the signal.
Attack time refers to the time it takes for the compressor or limiter to respond to a sudden increase in signal level, and is usually set to around 10-30 milliseconds for music production.
Release time refers to the time it takes for the compressor or limiter to return to its normal state after the signal has dropped below the threshold, and is usually set to around 100-200 milliseconds for music production.
Makeup gain is used to increase the overall level of the signal after compression or limiting, to bring the signal back up to the desired level.
Limiters are often used in live sound settings as a fail-safe precaution to prevent loud sounds from blowing out speakers.
Compressors can be used to bring up the level of quiet sounds, such as the sound of a vocalist's breathing or the rustling of their clothes.
The "knee" of a compressor refers to the point at which the compressor starts to reduce the signal, with a "hard knee" resulting in a more abrupt reduction in level, and a "soft knee" resulting in a more gradual reduction.
Parallel compression is a technique where a compressed duplicate of the original signal is mixed with the original signal to create a more balanced sound.
Limiters can be used to prevent "overs" or "clipping" in digital recording, which occurs when the signal exceeds the maximum capacity of the recording medium.
The "ratio" of a compressor refers to the ratio of the input signal to the output signal, with higher ratios resulting in more compression and a more dramatic reduction in dynamic range.
Compressors can be used to create a sense of "punch" or "attack" in a signal, by quickly reducing the level of the signal after a sudden increase in level.
Limiters can be used to prevent "digital distortion" or "clipping" in digital recording, which occurs when the signal exceeds the maximum capacity of the recording medium.
Compressors can be used to create a sense of "space" or "ambiance" in a signal, by reducing the level of the signal in the quieter parts of the signal.
Attack and release times can be adjusted to create different effects, such as a slow attack and fast release for a more gradual reduction in level, or a fast attack and slow release for a more dramatic reduction in level.
Limiters can be used to prevent "feedback" in live sound settings, by quickly reducing the level of the signal when it exceeds a certain level.
Compressors can be used to create a sense of "glue" or "cohesion" in a mix, by reducing the level of individual tracks and bringing them together into a more balanced sound.
Limiters can be used to create a sense of "loudness" or "punch" in a signal, by quickly reducing the level of the signal after a sudden increase in level.
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