What is a Limiter Plugin?

A limiter plugin is an audio processing tool used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) to prevent an audio signal from exceeding a specified maximum level. It works by automatically reducing the volume of any signal that rises above a defined threshold, effectively limiting how loud the audio can become.

A limiter is similar to a compressor but typically uses a very high compression ratio, often described as infinite-to-one. This means that once the signal reaches the set threshold, the limiter prevents it from getting any louder. Many limiter plugins also include controls such as threshold, release time, and output ceiling to fine-tune how the limiting effect behaves.

Limiter plugins are commonly used during mixing and mastering to prevent clipping and distortion while increasing the overall loudness of a track. They are especially important in the final stages of music production, where they help ensure that audio remains clean and controlled while maximizing perceived volume.