Can you use a limiter and a compressor?
Also, compressor can be used as a sort of limiter as long as its ratio setting is sufficiently high. Let elaborate on that a bit. Technically, it’s still there though, so it’s not exactly like a limiter. But even when a compressor acts like a limiter, they still sound a little different from each other.
Can you use 2 compressors?
There are actually a couple of ways to use multiple compressors when recording or mixing vocals. If you put the faster, more aggressive compressor first, it will tame those peaks and give the second compressor a smoother signal to work on.
What goes first limiter or compressor?
As you rightly point out, low thresholds and low ratios are the order of the day for mix compression, though different people will suggest different tools for the job. However, whether you’re using a multi-band or single-band compressor, it should be followed by a peak limiter to stop clipping.
Are limiters and compressors the same?
The difference between a compressor and a limiter is only in the compression ratio used. A limiter is intended to limit the maximum level, normally to provide overload protection. A compressor is used for less drastic, more creative dynamic control, and tends to use lower ratios; typically 5:1 or less.
Should I put a limiter on every track?
You only limit tracks when there are peaks you want to limit. If that is on every track then so be it! The more limiting you do, the more distortion you have. Compression will distort a little, but far less than any aggressive limiting.
What are the best vocal compression settings?
Here are my go-to compression settings for vocals:
- Ratio: 1.5:1.
- Attack Time: 15ms (but up to 30ms for more punch)
- Release Time: 40ms.
- Threshold: -24dB.
- Gain Reduction: 2-3dB.
- Knee: Soft.
- Makeup Gain: 2dB.
How many compressors should be on a vocal chain?
Instead of making one single compressor do all the heavy lifting, try two or more compressors throughout your plugin chain. Try starting with a slower compressor applying 2-3dB of gain reduction, with a ratio between 1:1 and 2:1.
How do you use multiple compressors?
How to Use Multiple Compressors in Series
- Use a low threshold so that it only reacts to the peaks.
- Use a high ratio so that those peaks will be cut down effectively.
- Use a fast attack and release, so it reacts immediately to the peaks but resets just as quickly so it doesn’t affect the rest of the audio.
Should you put a limiter on every track?
What is a limiter used for in audio?
A limiter allows you to bring up the level without allowing the peaks to clip. Modern mastering limiter plugins are extremely precise in catching peaks and won’t allow anything to pass through over their set ceiling, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “peak” or “brick wall” limiters.
Should I use a limiter before mastering?
Like I said, limiting should really be saved for the mastering phase. So if (like me) you tend to master your own material, still take the limiter off, bounce out final mixes (in 24 bit) and then bring those into a mastering session.
How many compressors should I use for my vocals?
Rather than using one heavy compressor with a 10:1 ratio that’s applying 10+ dB of gain reduction, it’s better to use multiple compressors that each chip away at the vocal applying 2-3dB of gain reduction.
Should you put a limiter on a vocal track?
As a general rule, you use compressors on individual instruments and busses. If your vocal track is too dynamic, you wouldn’t want to put a limiter on it. The strong ratio of a limiter would squash your vocal too much, making it sound unnatural.
Should I get a limiter or a compressor?
When deciding whether to reach for a limiter or a compressor the main thing to consider is what type of ratio you need. If you need a small amount of gain reduction to hone a sound, you’ll want to choose compression. If you need to keep something fully controlled, go with a limiter.
What is compression and how does it affect sound?
Compression essentially causes distortion in a signal, in that it changes the original sound of the signal through its processing. The compressor typically achieves this by emphasizing certain harmonics based on how the compressor is hitting the incoming signal.