KompressionLimiting

KompressionLimiting is a form of dynamic range processing that combines compression and limiting to control a signal’s amplitude and prevent peaks from exceeding a defined ceiling. In practice, a limiter is a specialized compressor with a very high ratio and typically a fast or instantaneous attack, sometimes employing lookahead to anticipate transient peaks.

The process works by reducing gain when the input exceeds a threshold and enforcing an absolute ceiling so that the output cannot rise above the set level. Key parameters include threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee behavior, and whether lookahead or sidechain processing is used. A limiter often uses a brickwall characteristic, aiming for an abrupt, near-vertical limiting action to cap peaks without allowing overshoot.

Common types include peak limiters, brickwall limiters, and true-peak limiters used in digital systems. Some limiters operate with feedforward control, others with feedback, and many offer lookahead to improve transient handling. In mastering and broadcast contexts, true peak limiting and appropriate headroom are important to avoid inter-sample clipping.

Applications and considerations: KompressionLimiting is widely used to protect equipment and prevent distortion, to meet loudness targets, and to maximize perceived level without excessive compression. Overuse can introduce artifacts, pumpiness, or distortion; care is taken to balance peak control with musicality. Proper measurement standards (such as peak and loudness metrics) guide settings in professional workflows.