John
Well it is called a limiter already not a clipper.

I was referring to a previous post "A limiter will prevent the output from rising regardless of the input...". Since a real limiter cannot perform this function, (there is only some finite gain reduction possible), then the only way to achieve this is to "clip" the signal by either putting it through an amplifier and driving it to compliance or in the digital world, by running out of headroom (i.e. 0dBFS). I was being cute with the word "Clipper" since the signal IS clipped.
Walt
 

WallyG

John
Well it is called a limiter already not a clipper.

I was referring to a previous post "A limiter will prevent the output from rising regardless of the input...". Since a real limiter cannot perform this function, (there is only some finite gain reduction possible), then the only way to achieve this is to "clip" the signal by either putting it through an amplifier and driving it to compliance or in the digital world, by running out of headroom (i.e. 0dBFS). I was being cute with the word "Clipper" since the signal IS clipped.
Walt
 

I still don't understand what you are talking about. Sorry.

John

WallyG

John
Well it is called a limiter already not a clipper.

I was referring to a previous post "A limiter will prevent the output from rising regardless of the input...". Since a real limiter cannot perform this function, (there is only some finite gain reduction possible), then the only way to achieve this is to "clip" the signal by either putting it through an amplifier and driving it to compliance or in the digital world, by running out of headroom (i.e. 0dBFS). I was being cute with the word "Clipper" since the signal IS clipped.
Walt
 

I still don't understand what you are talking about. Sorry.

Sorry, guess I'm not explaining it well. A limiter with a finite ratio, let's say 1000:1 will still allow the signal to rise above the threshold albeit by a small amount. Some Limiters offer an option of inf:1. I'm an Analog Circuit Designer and if someone asked me to design an analog limiter with a ratio of inf:1, I'd explain that it would require a gain reduction amplifier with infinite attenuation and I haven't figured out how to do that one... 
In the digital realm, it's easier since your just dealing with numbers (the software engineers are smiling) and once you reach a threshold you just keep the signal at that desired threshold.
 
The basic point I was trying to make was that once you have solid wall "limiter" (i.e. Titanium Limiter), you are cutting off (clipping) the tops of the waveform adding distortion, ie worst case converting a sine wave into a square wave, like the old back-back diode clippers used in early fuzz boxes. You're still distorting the signal with any limiter, but with lower ratios, and trying to just lower the level of the peaks, you can' really hear it. At least these old tired ears can't...
 
Hope this helped.
 
Walt
 
If you look at the waveforms of today's "loudness war" CDs, it looks as though someone took a pair of electronic scizzors and "clipped" off the tops and bottoms of the waveforms. 
 
 
 
 

Well I routinely place CL on my master buss and though I try not to push it I have for testing and there is no, repeat, no distortion. You may be right with Boost 11 but not a good limiter like Concrete Limiter.  
 
I also agree with you about maximizing loudness. I am adamantly opposed to it. 

This is a nice tutorial well recommended:
http://www.groove3.com/str/compression-explained.html
 

CakeAlexS
This is a nice tutorial well recommended:
http://www.groove3.com/str/compression-explained.html

As is EQ Explained, which, along with Compression Explained, I was lucky enough to pickup for $10 a pop on sale recently.

Yup done that as well and it's excellent.... They are all good get a year groove3 pass, money worth spending! I try to do a tutorial every 2 to 3 weeks myself, I never stop learning..

A limiter is really "a device whose mystery is only exceeded by its power"- Totally Hot Chicks