How does compression and limiting effect sound?

Answer 1

The easiest way to think of compression/limiting is as an automatic volume leveler. Imagine listening to a program with very quiet parts, and loud parts. Compression (in a perfect world) would turn the volume up during the quiet parts, and turn down the loud parts arriving at a "perfect" listening level.

Limiting does exactly what it says. It sets a "ceiling" for your overall loudest listening level.

Compression/limiting can be used less like a utility, and more like an effect as well as they have the ability to darken sounds, make things pump rhythmically, shorten/extend notes, and effect timing among other things.

Used in tandem with an eq opens up another plethora of options such as de-essing as well.

Hope this helps.

Best,

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