Limiter Node
A mastering-grade limiter with true peak detection, look-ahead, transient preservation, and optional dithering.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Category | Effects / Dynamics |
| Version | 1 |
| Inputs | L, R (audio) |
| Outputs | L, R (audio) |
Parameters
Limiting
| Parameter | Range | Default | Description |
|---|
| Threshold | -20dB - 0dB | -0.3dB | Ceiling level |
| Release | 10ms - 1000ms | 100ms | Release time |
| Look-ahead | 0ms - 10ms | 5ms | Anticipation for transients |
Character
| Parameter | Range | Default | Description |
|---|
| True Peak | On/Off | On | Inter-sample peak detection |
| Soft Clip | 0% - 100% | 0% | Pre-limiter soft saturation |
| Transient | 0% - 100% | 50% | Transient preservation amount |
Output
| Parameter | Range | Default | Description |
|---|
| Gain | -12dB - +12dB | 0dB | Input gain (drive) |
| Dither | Off/16-bit/24-bit | Off | Output dithering |
Visualizer
The Gain Reduction Visualizer shows:
- Real-time limiting amount (dB)
- Peak levels
- True peak indicators (when enabled)
True Peak Detection
When True Peak is enabled, the limiter detects peaks that occur between samples (inter-sample peaks). This is essential for:
- Streaming platform compliance
- Broadcast standards
- Preventing DAC clipping
Tips
- Set Threshold to -1dB for streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)
- Enable True Peak for final masters
- Use Look-ahead for cleaner limiting on transient material
- Add subtle Soft Clip for analog-style warmth before limiting
- Dither when bouncing to 16-bit formats
Example Presets
Streaming Master
- Threshold: -1dB
- True Peak: On
- Look-ahead: 5ms
- Release: 150ms
Loud Master
- Threshold: -0.1dB
- Gain: +6dB
- Soft Clip: 20%
- Look-ahead: 3ms
Transparent Protection
- Threshold: -0.3dB
- True Peak: On
- Look-ahead: 10ms
- Transient: 80%