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6. Typical applications
The application of this unit can be divided into two basic categories, limiting and compressing.
When used as a protective device it is functioning as a limiter. It may also be used to reduce the
dynamic range of a signal, creating a fuller sounding signal without increasing the loudest peaks, in
which case it is functioning as a compressor.
6.1. The unit as a protective device
The unit provides fast an accurate gain control for the prevention of sound system overload due to
unexpected transients. Sustained distortion caused by amplifiers running out of power or occasional,
one-shot high level overload (a microphone falling onto a hardwood floor) can damage speakers and
other system components. The unit can be installed in several locations in a sound system to specific
goals:
Signal path location
Effect
After the mixer and before the crossover and
amplifier(s)
Compression and limiting acts on the entire
signal, preventing crossover and amplifier
overload and maximizing the dynamic
performance of both.
After an active crossover and before the
amplifier(s)
Compression and limiting acts on each segment
of the signal (to which a unit channel is
connected) coming from the crossover allowing
for different setting in each segment.
After a parametric EQ and before the amplifier(s)
This setup is typically used to control feedback.
By using the parametric EQ as a multipoint
notch-filter on the feedback frequencies and the
unit to limit those frequencies, an accurate and
automatic feedback control can be imposed on a
system.
6.2. Recording
The unit limiter can be used to prevent input overload (clipping/distortion) in a live recording
environment. To prevent distortion while preserving dynamic range set the unit as follows: Gain=0,
Threshold=2-3dB below recorder input max, Ratio=10, Attack=2ms, Release=2s, Output=0. Every
situation is different, so experimentation before final recording is always a good idea.
