Dynamics Processing

[VesuviusJay]

Can anyone describe to me instances where you would need to consider dynamics processing on a particular track. Particularly compression and limiting. I have a bit of a hang on the compression but why limit? I am using Nuendo with the Nuendo Dynamics plugin. This offers compression, gate and limiting. Gate I understand. Compression I have a good feel for. But limiting seems to have no effect on the track when I use it.

When do I need to limit the track?

 

[ChristopherDawn]

You own a $1000 program and don't know how to use it? Hmmm.


Anyway, Bruce wrote a post once that said the different uses of limiting and compresson. Do some searches.

 

[VesuviusJay]

You own a $1000 program and don't know how to use it? Hmmm.

Well, when a guy is teaching himself how to use good VST software from scratch, he may need a bit of guidence with nomenclature and fundementals that many would learn in a structured training environment. Believe me There are few topics I have yet to grasp, and limiting is one of them. Without these basics, it is of course harder to understand more complicated situations that involve more variables than 1.

All I know is what I hear. And so far that is how I have to fly because I don't know all the basics and fundementals yet. LOL! Besides my question wasn't HOW to use nuendo's limit function. Any retard can add a plugin and make adjustments. My question is WHY does one consider using limiting, and what situations it may come in handy.

If anyone would like to enlighten me on this obviously basic tool please chime in!

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Vesuvius Jay: [That sounds like an Italian bird dish]

I have this Yam 2816 and I've messed with the Dynamics sections. Usually, you can help a medium type singer by playing with EQ and dynamics -- but, as most agree, the less you have to "mess" with a cut, the better.

I like to lower the highs and raise the lows when I record a bass line via my synth -- but, that's a personal like and maybe others like to do otherwise.

I'm not familiar with your gear but if it has dynamics and reverb it is like any other good piece of gear -- your choice when you feel the need. One of the reasons I only record a limited number of singers is I like things "My Way." Now, doesn't that sound like a good title for a song?

Have fun and Merry Christmas

Green Hornet

 

[VesuviusJay]

Well the gear I am using is actually a PC with Nuendo. But does anyone have a little background on theory/application of a "limiter"?

 

[grinder]

Here's a link.

http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.n...f0057f0fa68d59df8625664b00130e57?OpenDocument

 

[VesuviusJay]

Dude grinder! Thank you very much this is exactly what I needed...primer! Thanks again

 

[grinder]

You're welcome.

 

[ryanlikestorock]

A limiter will allow you to increase the average volume of a signal, without increasing the peak volume.

 

[VesuviusJay]

Do you mean increasing overall volume without eating as much headroom or...

 

[grinder]

Increasing the average volume while using the same amount of headroom.

 

[ryanlikestorock]

Let's say you have a snare drum signal that is pretty quiet, but has a really big peak, up to 0db. With a limiter, you could increase the volume of that snare, but round off the peak so it never goes over -1db if you wanted, or whatever you decide that threshold to be.

 

[Bulls Hit]

The only time I've used a limiter, in preference to a compressor, is to get that ripped hard limiter sound on my snare drum. Otherwise I don't know why you'd use a limiter instead of a compressor

 

[ryanlikestorock]

They just do two different things. It's like using a guitar instead of a bass. Sometimes you need one, sometimes you need the other. In mastering, I've always got a limiter set up at least so 0db is never hit.

But, for recording, maybe you never need it. I imagine it would make sense to have it applied to the drums to avoid clipping.

 

[guttadaj]

The only time I've used a limiter, in preference to a compressor, is to get that ripped hard limiter sound on my snare drum. Otherwise I don't know why you'd use a limiter instead of a compressor

I think it's all in the level of compression you want. If you got some serious peaks, then you want more compression. I believe a limiter is just a compressor with a higher compression ratio, like 10:1 or higher or something like that...

 

[sonicpaint]

He's got it!

I believe a limiter is just a compressor with a higher compression ratio, like 10:1 or higher or something like that...

This is true, limiting is compression at high ratios. Anything from 10:1 or higher would be considered as limiting.

ryanlikestorock mentioned that he uses it more in mastering then recording or tracking and I would have to agree. When tracking high compression ratios could be used for effects such as pumping and such but I personally wouldn't use a limiter(compression ratios above 10:1) in the recording process.

In other words, if you need to raise the RMS value of any given material then use a limiter (ratios above 10:1). If you want to tighten up a track in a mix use a compressor (ratios below 10:1 but usually from 2-6:1).

Hope this helps.
sonicpaint

 

[mixsit]

The only time I've used a limiter, in preference to a compressor, is to get that ripped hard limiter sound on my snare drum. Otherwise I don't know why you'd use a limiter instead of a compressor

Because the two are generally uesd in different contexts. Limiting (generally, again ) is used to hit the occasional peak and leave the rest of the program alone. Compression can extend right down into the 'body' of the program changing the entire density, envelopes, anything.
I tend to use limiting on snare instead of compression, mainly because I prefer the sound more 'as is'. It's a flavor thing.
Wayne

 

[ZOWIE!]

Re: He's got it!

ryanlikestorock mentioned that he uses it more in mastering then recording or tracking and I would have to agree. When tracking high compression ratios could be used for effects such as pumping and such but I personally wouldn't use a limiter(compression ratios above 10:1) in the recording process.

I very much would use one (and often do) on digital tracking as insurance to protect against digital overs, but not to deliberately change the character of the sound. Not necessary for recording to tape.