Editing Dynamic range compression (section)

== Limiting ==
[[File:Clipping compared to limiting.svg|thumb|220px|Limiting and clipping compared. Note that clipping introduces a large amount of distortion whereas limiting only introduces a small amount while keeping the signal within the threshold.]]
{{Main|Limiter}}
Compression and limiting are identical in process but different in degree and perceived effect. A [[limiter]] is a compressor with a high ratio and, generally, a fast attack time. Compression with ratio of 10:1 or more is generally considered limiting.<ref name="tcelectronic.com">{{Cite book |url=http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/droney_massey_2001_compres.pdf |title=Compression Applications |last1=Droney |first1=Maureen |last2=Massey |first2=Howard |date=September 2001 |publisher=[[TC Electronic]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231072136/http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/droney_massey_2001_compres.pdf |archive-date=2010-12-31 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Brick wall limiting'' has a very high ratio and a very fast attack time. Ideally, this ensures that an audio signal never exceeds the amplitude of the threshold. Ratios of 20:1  all the way up to ∞:1 are considered ''brick wall''.<ref name="tcelectronic.com" />  The sonic results of more than momentary and infrequent brick-wall limiting are harsh and unpleasant, thus it is more common as a safety device in live sound and broadcast applications.

Some [[bass amp]]s and [[PA system]] amplifiers include limiters to prevent sudden volume peaks from causing distortion or damaging the speakers.