Help Using a Limiter: Loud Noises Hurt

[imagegod]

I put a limiter on the Master Track using the default settings, but I still had a burst of sound loud enough to hurt (and possibly damage).

I keep my computer's main level relatively low (below 20 percent), but obviously it has to be loud enough to hear what I'm composing.

I'm not looking for fancy stuff...I'm just tired of sonic pain.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

[Fergler]

Unfortunately there is a huge gap between loud, damaging noise levels at 0db and regular music at 0db (the difference is in frequency response). Compounding this issue is that your music is rarely going to be actually hitting 0db. So limiters do not work for this kind of protection.

What you might instead do is use a narrow band limiter which reacts only to a wide range around 2-4k, but brings the entire signal down. This should allow you to set a lower threshold without affecting your actual music. This will get close to possibly affecting your actual music while not really helping that much to prevent such noises... so I mean it's worth a shot but to be frank it probably isn't worth it.

I'd be savage with removing any possibility for these noises. If its a nasty VST plugin, ditch it.

[imagegod]

Thanks. Does Reaper have a 'band limiter'? If so, what is it called...thanks.

[G-Sun]

I'll adjust threshold of the limiter to 1-8db above peaks on you current material.
Then checking that setting when the project evolves.

This means any dangerous sound will hit the limiters within reasonable measures.

[DVDdoug]

but I still had a burst of sound loud enough to hurt (and possibly damage).

I assume you're using headphones? ...Don't use headphones in situations where that can happen. (It's not a good idea to use high-power monitors in "uncontrolled" situations either.)

Or, you could get an inline headphone volume control to limit the "power" out of your headphone amp.

With a volume control set up like that, you could clip your headphone amp on some "normal" peaks, but at least you'll be safe (or safer).

[imagegod]

Thanks all...unfortunately I have to use earphones...it's earphones or nothing. I won't bore you with the details...let's just say my 'studio' is both enveloped in constant noise, and any noise I create (and I mean any) will put me on the street.

Re: in-line volume control...it's essentially the same as keeping my computer volume at a minimum (I don't have 'fancy stuff' like a headphone amp: I compose on cheap ear buds; it's pretty much all I can afford). Also, there's no way to put it 'below minimum' and still be able to compose.

I thought there would be a real simple solution to dangerous, transient sounds...I guess not.

I appreciate all your help...thanks!

[ericzang]

I use Reagate in "ducker" mode when auditioning plugins that may create sudden bursts. I set the threshold just above my music levels. Maybe it will be helpful in your case?

Import the attached reagate preset by clicking on the plus sign + at the top next to the preset name > Import VST patch...

[westie07]

Pretty new to all this but in "Preferences -> Audio" you can automatically mute a track when volume exceeds "x" dbs.

Does this help?

[imagegod]

"Pretty new to all this but in "Preferences -> Audio" you can automatically mute a track when volume exceeds "x" dbs. Does this help?"

Maybe it will...thanks!

[Fergler]

Originally Posted by imagegod

"Pretty new to all this but in "Preferences -> Audio" you can automatically mute a track when volume exceeds "x" dbs. Does this help?"

Maybe it will...thanks!

It won't help against white noise blasts that don't hit the threshold but whose perceived volume is factors greater than say, a snare hit. But it is indeed a very good setting to have on for plugins which have denormals, for example, causing +650db blasts...

[Pickasso]

Here's a plugin I use for that:
http://www.cerberusaudio.com/Software/Products/Ice9/

It's not a limiter, but set it for just below the loudest peak you want to hear, anything above that, it mutes. Put it on the offending track, or even on the master track. It will reset when normal volume resumes.

[imagegod]

Originally Posted by Pickasso

Here's a plugin I use for that:
http://www.cerberusaudio.com/Software/Products/Ice9/

It's not a limiter, but set it for just below the loudest peak you want to hear, anything above that, it mutes. Put it on the offending track, or even on the master track. It will reset when normal volume resumes.

Cool! I do believe that's exactly what I was looking for...Reaper forum (and Pickasso, westie07, et. al.) come through again!

Thanks all, very much appreciated!

P.S.: I just installed it and it works great! Already saved me an earache! Bonus: It resets itself without interference...works like a charm...thanks!

[Ulf3000]

the first question would be ..
why do dangerously loud sounds even arrive at your master channel ?
you should fix that in the arrangement and/or on the channel fx
---

second get a good limiter vst instead of js stuff

[G-Sun]

Originally Posted by Ulf3000

the first question would be ..
why do dangerously loud sounds even arrive at your master channel ?
you should fix that in the arrangement and/or on the channel fx
---

second get a good limiter vst instead of js stuff

This is something you discover after the fact.
The limiter is there before the fact

[Philbo King]

Originally Posted by imagegod

I put a limiter on the Master Track using the default settings, but I still had a burst of sound loud enough to hurt (and possibly damage).

I keep my computer's main level relatively low (below 20 percent), but obviously it has to be loud enough to hear what I'm composing.

I'm not looking for fancy stuff...I'm just tired of sonic pain.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks!

If the limiter you are using has an attack control be sure to set it to zero.

Many limiters include automatic makeup gain. These may be called 'mastering limiters' or something similar.

I find it simplest to just use a compressor on the monitor path (or the Main outputs, if that what drives your headphones). Set the ratio to 10 or so, the attack to zero, the release long (a few seconds will do), and turn off makeup gain. Set the threshold to a level where the recorded sound rarely, or never, triggers it. Such as -1 dB...
Any sound above that level will be reduced.