Dynamics 008: Stereo Mastering Limiter
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008: Stereo Mastering Limiter
This stereo limiter is optimized for mastering full mixes. It
uses a short look-ahead delay (1.3 ms) for zero-overshoot
performance, and automatically optimizes the output level to
a specified maximum.
For a description of the on-screen graphics, see “005: Stereo
Limiter” on page 768.
LIMITER
Threshold [dB] [–30.0…0.0]
This affects both the limiting threshold and the output gain.
Signals above the Threshold will be limited; signals below
this level will not be limited, but will still benefit from any
increase in output gain (see below).
The output gain is automatically increased by the difference
between the Threshold and the Out Ceiling. For instance, if
the Threshold is -9.0dB and the Out Ceiling is -3.0dB, gain
will be increased by 6dB.
Out Ceiling [dB] [–30.0…0.0]
This controls the maximum output level. In general, it’s best
to set this slightly below 0.0, in order to accommodate the
less-than-optimal output stages which are sometimes found
in consumer audio devices.
An aggressive setting would be -0.3dB; a conservative
setting, to avoid clipping on some older CD players, would
be -3dB.
Release [msec] [0.65…1000.0]
This controls how long it takes the limiter to allow the gain
to rise again after the signal is no longer above the threshold.
Generally, settings between 1.0 and 5.0 milliseconds will be
most effective. For more information, see “Release [msec]”
on page 764.
OUTPUT
Wet/Dry [Dry, 1:99…99:1, Wet]
Sets the balance between the effect and the dry input.
Important: The look-ahead delay will cause phasing effects
if this is set to any in-between values (1:99…99:1). Only
completely Wet or Dry will sound correct.
Source [Off…Tempo]
Selects a modulation source for Wet/Dry.
Amount [+/–100]
Sets the modulation amount for Wet/Dry.
Using the Stereo Mastering Limiter
Careful compression and limiting are great mastering tools.
Here are some simple instructions which should produce
good results with most material:
1. Go to the TFX/MFX page.
2. For TFX2, select 008: Stereo Mastering Limiter
The limiter should be the last effect before the output.
3. Set the Out Ceiling to a value between -0.3dB and -
3dB.
4. Leave the Release at the default setting.
5. Make sure that Wet/Dry is set to Wet, with no
modulation.
6. Go to the loudest part of the song.
7. While playing the song, adjust the Threshold, and
watch the gain reduction meter. Set the Threshold so
that the gain reduction meter rarely if ever shows
more than 6dB of limiting.
You could also use a compressor in TFX1, before the limiter,
such as 002: Stereo Compressor or 004: St. Multiband
Compressor.
Above all, remember to be gentle; the more you increase the
volume, the more likely you are to add distortion.
Left
Right
Wet / Dry
Wet / Dry
Stereo In - Stereo Out
Limiter
Limiter
Out Ceiling
Out Ceiling
Envelope - Control
+
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