PRESONUS
are considered hard limiting. Limiting refers to the point at which the signal is restrained from going any louder at the output.
The level of input signal at which the output is reduced is determined by the compression threshold. As the compression threshold is lowered, more and more of the input signal is compressed (assuming a nominal input signal level). Care must be taken not to ‘over compress’ a signal. Too much compression destroys the acoustical dynamic response of a performance. (‘Over compression’, however, is used by some engineers as an effect, and with killer results!)
Compressor/limiters are commonly used for many audio applications. A kick drum can get lost in a wall of electric guitars. No matter how much level is increased, the kick drum stays ‘lost in the mud’. Add a touch of compression and tighten up that kick drum sound allowing it to ‘punch’ through without having to crank the level way up.
A vocal performance usually has a wide dynamic range. Transients (the very loudest portion of the signal) can be far outside the average level of the vocal signal. It is extremely difficult to ride the level with a console fader. A compressor/limiter automatically controls gain without altering the subtleties of the performance.
A solo guitar can seem to be masked by the rhythm guitars. Compression can make your ‘lead’ soar above the track without shoving the fader through the roof .
Bass guitar can be difficult to record . A consistent level with good attack can be achieved with proper compression . Your bass doesn’t have to be washed out in the low end of the mix . Let the compressor/limiter give your bass the punch it needs to drive the bottom of the track .
