Limiters

A limiter functions in much the same way as a
compressor, differentiated more by its application than its
operation. Similar to a compressor, a limiter also reduces
signals that pass a threshold by a certain ratio. The ratios used
by limiters, though, tend to be much greater than those used
by compressors. Typical limiter ratios can range anywhere
from 10:1 to ∞:1 (infinity:1, where the threshold setting dictates
the maximum signal level). The goal of
a limiter is usually system protection, by preventing transient
audio peaks from causing distortion further up the audio chain
or, worst case, damaging loudspeaker components. Typically,
limiter threshold settings are also much higher than on
compressors; low threshold settings on a limiter lead to excess
compression. Limiters also share other parameters with
compressors, including attack and release.