Compressor vs Limiter: Unveiling the Key Differences for Music Production

Comparing limiters vs compressors can feel super daunting for many up-and-coming music producers, as they are two of the most used audio effects, but also two of the most misunderstood. Yet, understanding the differences between these sound shaping tools is essential for anyone looking to polish their tracks.

Let’s break down how each one works, when to use them, and why they’re key to achieving that crisp, professional sound in your music production. Let’s kick things off with a question that might seem simple but is super crucial: what is a compressor?

In this article

• Defining a Compressor
• Key Characteristics of a Compressor
• Understanding a Limiter
• Principal Parameters of a Limiter
• Compressor Versus Limiter: How Do They Differ?
• Choosing Between a Compressor and Limiter: When and What to Use?
  • Vocals
  • Bass
  • Bus Tracks
  • Mix Bus
  • Compressor and Limiter Usage: Specific Instances!
• Can Compressor Plugins Act as Limiters?
• Conclusion

Defining a Compressor

Before we look at comparing Limiters vs Compressors, let’s start with the basics, what is a compressor? A compressor is a tool used in music production to even out the dynamic range of an audio signal. Put simply it reduces the volume of loud sounds and increases quieter ones, resulting in a more balanced and consistent sound in your tracks.

This process not only enhances the overall sound quality but also prepares the track for further processing and mastering.

Key Characteristics of a Compressor

What do compressors do? What is a compressor really doing to the sound of your track? Essentially they level out the volume of any audio signal, e.g. when a singer suddenly increases their volume when they hit a chorus, the compressor will reduce that sound to match the level of the rest of the vocal.

Here are the key parameters you’ll find in any compressor and what their functions are:

• Threshold: The level above which compression begins.

• Ratio: Determines how much compression is applied once the threshold is exceeded.

• Attack: How quickly the compressor starts to work after the threshold is crossed.

• Release: The time it takes for the compressor to stop affecting the signal.

• Knee: Dictates how gradually compression is applied around the threshold.

• Make-up Gain: Balances the output level to compensate for the reduction in overall signal level.

If you want a really in depth answer to the question, what do compressors do, make sure you check out our comprehensive guide to compression.

Having talked about compressors, next up we switch focus and look at the limiter vs compressor debate from the limiter’s perspective.

Understanding a Limiter

Before we get stuck into the difference between compressors and limiters, let’s find out exactly what is a limiter? While both limiters and compressors can be used to control the dynamic range of an audio signal, their uses are slightly different. So, what is a limiter actually doing to your audio?

A limiter is essentially a compressor with a very high ratio, designed to prevent audio peaks from exceeding a certain level. This makes sure that the overall loudness is under control without causing distortion.

Principal Parameters of a Limiter

To fully answer the question, what is a limiter, we need to have an understanding of the key parameters of a limiter. Essentially a limiter is a plug in designed to give you maximum control over audio peaks. Here are its principal parameters:

• Threshold: The dB level above which limiting is applied.

• Ceiling: The absolute maximum level the output signal can reach.

• Attack: How quickly the limiter responds to exceed the threshold.

• Release: The time it takes for the limiter to turn off after the signal falls below the threshold.

• Look-ahead: Allows the limiter to anticipate peaks before they happen, ensuring greater control.

Compressor Versus Limiter: How Do They Differ?

Alright, let’s pause for a second and consider a common head-scratcher in the studio: the choice between compressor vs limiter. When deciding whether to use an audio limiter vs compressor, it’s all about understanding the differences between compression vs limiting. Compressors can gently even out audio dynamics over a wide range, giving you more subtle control of your sounds.

But what does a limiter do in mixing? Well limiters act as the final safeguard against clipping, applying higher compression ratios to stop audio from going over a set ceiling. It would be normal to find compressors used more on individual tracks, and limiters used on the final master bus, but both have their places across the whole production.

Choosing Between a Compressor and Limiter: When and What to Use?

So, when you’re at that point, staring at your mixdown and thinking about your compressor vs a limiter options, remember it’s all about choosing the correct tool for the job. When dealing with compression vs limiting, it boils down to the difference between a compressor and a limiter in their application.

The most common use of compression is to control dynamics across a track where as limiting, however, is your go-to for preventing unwanted volume peaks and making sure your final mix stays polished and perfectly in line with industry loudness standards. But where and when would you use a compressor vs a limiter or a limiter vs a compressor?

Let’s have a closer look at some standard tracks you may have in your production, and see what is the difference between a compressor and a limiter for each scenario.

Vocals

One of the most common types of tracks you’ll have to choose between an audio compressor vs limiter is vocals. Compressors are great at adding warmth and consistency to vocals, allowing every word to be clearly heard without drastically altering the dynamic range. Limiters, while useful in preventing unexpected spikes, can be too harsh for vocal tracks if overused. Generally, compressors are the go-to for vocals, as they can give you a balanced and natural sound.

Bass

Your choice between an audio compressor vs a limiter can dramatically affect the energy of your track. For bass lines, compressors are often preferred, as they provide the necessary control over dynamics to ensure the bass punches through the mix without overpowering other elements.

Limiting can be useful for keeping peak levels in check, but compression usually wins out for creating the essential punchy bass tracks needed for all modern EDM.

Bus Tracks

When comparing audio compressors vs limiters for bus/group tracks, it’s all about which is best to provide a good blend and glue of multiple elements. Compressors are fantastic for unifying tracks, controlling all the dynamics into a cohesive mix. Limiters, on the other hand, serve well to cap the overall level, preventing any component from going over the mix’s ceiling.

For buses, compressors often win out, helping to blend sounds together, or even add a more impactful effect such as parallel compression.

Click here to learn more about parallel compression and compression on bus tracks

Mix Bus

For master bus channels, making the right choice between limiter vs compressor is essential. On the master bus channel, it’s no longer audio compressor vs limiter, as both tools play crucial roles in the overall mix of your track. Compression can be applied gently to glue the mix together, enhancing overall balance.

On the other hand, a limiter is indispensable on the master bus to prevent clipping and maintain the mix’s overall loudness within industry standards. In essence, a combination of both ensures a polished, broadcast-ready final track.

Looking back at these different areas where each tool excels, it’s clear that the limiter vs compressor discussion isn’t just about preference but about using the right tool for the right job.

Compressor and Limiter Usage: Specific Instances!

When choosing between a compressor vs a limiter, it’s helpful to have a look at some specific instances where each can be used professionally.

• Vocals: Compressors even out dynamics for clarity and warmth.

• Bass Lines: Compressors enhance punch and presence without overwhelming.

• Drums: Limiters ensure peak levels are contained, especially useful for kicks and snares.

• Mastering: A combination, with compression for gluing the sounds together and limiters for final loudness control.

• Live Sound: Limiters protect equipment from sudden spikes.

• Broadcasting: Compressors for consistent levels; limiters to comply with loudness regulations.

Looking back at the specific instances we’ve covered, the limiter vs compressor debate isn’t just technical; it’s about making artistic choices that serve your music the best.

Can Compressor Plugins Act as Limiters?

When it comes to limiters vs compressors, yes a compressor could be set up with a high ratio and used to catch those volume spikes, but limiters tend to less complicated than compressors, so you may want to stick to a limiter in this instance, due it being designed for this very job.

Conclusion

Wrapping up our look at the world of limiters vs compressors, it’s clear that each has its specific role in shaping the sound of a track. Whether subtly blending dynamics with a compressor or safeguarding against peaks with a limiter, using both in certain circumstances, can help get your final tracks over the line.

Ultimately it’s not really about “limiter vs compressor”, as they both have their own rightful place in any professional mix.

Don’t forget to check out the wide range of tutorials we have covering compression and limiting, hosted by some of the best producers working today!

Also don’t forget that our amazing SA76 Limiter plug in is available for FREE to all current and new subscribers. Check it out below!