Sonnox Oxford Dynamics - Manual (Page 30)

5.2 Maximising
Loudness
with
the
Limiter 5 LIMITER
5.2 Maximising
Loudness
with
the
Limiter
A recent popular use of programme limiting aims to maximise the relative loudness and
average modulation of music by reducing the short-term peak levels within the
programme waveform. This makes it possible to increase the overall volume (gain) of a
piece without getting obvious overloads (red lights) on the final mastered work. The
success of this method depends on the amount of peak reduction that can be obtained
without objectionable loss of quality to the programme. Maintaining the quality of the
peaks, without reproducing their maximum levels, relies on a degree of ‘peak
remodelling’.
The basic approach to this function is to initially set attack, hold and release controls to
minimum, for fastest possible action. Then reduce the threshold control to progressively
reduce the gain of the programme, only during the very short periods where peaks occur.
The sound of the peaks can then be adjusted by increasing the attack period to soften the
edges such that a degree of realism is retained, despite the reduction of instantaneous
levels during that period.
Since the Oxford limiter has a fairly large look-ahead period, it is possible to increase the
attack time significantly without allowing the peak levels to pass. It is therefore possible to
re-model the limited peaks considerably in real time, retaining good programme realism
despite large degrees of peak reduction. If it is necessary to increase recovery times after
peaks, for instance due to LF modulation content, it is better to use the hold control for
this purpose, as the recovery time is faster for a given overall period than by increasing
the release time. The programme level can then be increased so that the new peaks just
reach maximum level again. Depending on the material, average programme modulation
may be increased by 6 dBr or more by using this method.
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