As a novice in podcast recording, it is crucial to understand the various tools available to make your recording sound professional. Two of these tools are limiting and compression. Although they are both used to control the dynamic range of audio, they function differently. Let’s talk about the differences between limiting and compression and how to use them effectively in podcast recording. SOAP uses both to smooth out the dynamic range of your recordings.
Limiting
Limiting is a tool used to reduce the dynamic range of audio by setting a maximum level for the audio signal. It works by attenuating audio signals that exceed the set maximum level. The process reduces the dynamic range of audio and makes it sound louder. Limiting is usually used in podcast recording to prevent clipping, which happens when the audio signal exceeds the maximum level and results in distortion.
To use limiting in podcast recording, set the threshold slightly above the maximum level of your audio signal. Adjust the attack and release time to ensure that the audio signal is not attenuated too quickly or too slowly, resulting in unnatural sounding audio.
Compression
Compression is a tool that reduces the dynamic range of audio by attenuating audio signals that exceed a set threshold. Unlike limiting, compression reduces the volume of the entire audio signal, not just the parts that exceed the threshold. Compression is used in podcast recording to even out the volume of the audio signal, making it sound more consistent.
To use compression in podcast recording, set the threshold slightly above the average level of your audio signal. Adjust the attack and release time to ensure that the audio signal is not attenuated too quickly or too slowly, resulting in unnatural sounding audio. Adjust the ratio to determine how much the audio signal is attenuated when it exceeds the threshold. A higher ratio means more attenuation.
Understanding the Difference
The primary difference between limiting and compression is how they affect the dynamic range of audio. Limiting reduces the dynamic range by attenuating audio signals that exceed a set maximum level, while compression reduces the dynamic range by attenuating the entire audio signal. Limiting is used to prevent clipping, while compression is used to even out the volume of audio.
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In conclusion, limiting and compression are essential tools in podcast recording. It is crucial to understand how these tools work and when to use them. Limiting is used to prevent clipping and reduce the dynamic range of audio, while compression is used to even out the volume of audio. By understanding the difference between limiting and compression, you can use them effectively to make your podcast sound more professional. SOAP automates this whole process witch carefully designed dynamic compression and limiting.
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