Descript's Limiter is a type of Compressor with a high ratio. As its name suggests, limiting sets a limit, or ceiling to the output level of your audio clip. In other words, no sound beyond the set threshold can get through. A limiter typically has one use case, and that is to catch the peaks or louder moments of your source audio file to bring them down in a way that prevents overdrive or distortion to the sound.
Getting Started
If you haven't yet already, check out our Effects Overview for details on adding/removing effects, as well as a breakdown of the various stages you can insert effects into your Composition.
Effect Overview
Descripts limiter effect provides an easy way to increase the overall volume of your composition without exceeding a specified threshold.
Presets
Descript offers a list of presets for you to immediately begin creating.
- Soft Limit
- L1 Nostalgia
- The Slammer
- Raised
- Crunchy
- More
- Less
- -3dB
- -6dB
- Very Hard
To choose a preset navigate to the "Select Preset" bar.
Manually Adjusting Effects Settings
To get more hands-on control over the Limiter effects parameters navigate to Show Details
Once Show Details is selected you will be provided with a list of configuration options.
Below is a brief overview of these configurations.
- Input - Provides a visualization of the input level signal before passing through the Limiter.
- Reduction - Provides a visualization of the regulation of the amplitude of a signal in order to prevent it from getting too loud.
- Ceiling - The max peak of the audio signal that is allowed to pass through. For example, if set to -1.0dB nothing louder than that will pass through the Limiter.
- Threshold - The Threshold level determines when the limiting begins. Additionally, the limiter will boost the overall output of your signal to compensate for the reduction in overall signal volume. This results in the overall signal sounding louder as you lower the dB's on the threshold.
- Release - This is how long the gain reduction continues after your audio signal falls below the set threshold level.