compressionlimiting

Compression limiting is a dynamic range control technique in audio processing that combines compression with peak limiting to reduce the dynamic range while capping signal peaks. It is commonly used in music production, broadcast, and film post-production to achieve consistent perceived loudness and prevent distortion from sudden transients.

It operates by applying gain reduction when input exceeds a threshold (compression), followed by a limiter stage that enforces a maximum output level (ceiling). In practical setups a compressor is configured with a threshold, a ratio, an attack and release time, and sometimes a knee control; the limiter is often implemented as a very high ratio or as a dedicated limiter with a defined ceiling. Some devices implement lookahead to anticipate peaks, reducing overshoot and artifacts. The overall effect is to keep average loudness stable while preventing peaks from clipping.

Uses include mastering to comply with loudness standards, broadcasting to protect downstream equipment and ensure consistency, and live sound to prevent speaker distortion. Potential drawbacks include audible pumping, reduced transient impact, and altered tonal balance if overused. Good practice uses gentle ratios, appropriate attack/release times, and monitoring with meters for headroom and peak levels. The term compression limiting is sometimes used interchangeably with limiter or multi-stage compression where a compressor precedes a limiter to shape dynamics before peak control.