Nat 5HigherAdvanced Higher

Limiting

Limiting is strong compression used to stop peaks going above a set level.

Level relevance: introduced at Nat 5; tagged for every later level where the same concept remains useful.

Explanation

A limiter is usually used near the end of a signal chain to control peak level. It can help prevent clipping and can increase perceived loudness, but overuse can remove punch or create distortion. In coursework, it is better to use limiting carefully than to chase loudness at the expense of clarity.

Topics

ProcessingDynamicsMixing
Curriculum statussupporting vocabulary
Review statusdraft

Related terms

Compression

Compression reduces the dynamic range of a signal by controlling louder parts.

View term

Clipping

Clipping happens when a signal is too loud and the peaks are cut off, causing distortion.

View term

Normalisation

Normalisation raises or lowers a file’s level so its highest peak reaches a chosen target.

View term