# Limiter

> Linked or independent sample-peak limiting with hold and adaptive release.

Source: https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.limiter/

A limiter keeps a signal under a ceiling. Put one at the end of a chain to protect against sudden loud peaks.

## What it does

The limiter looks at each sample and turns the gain down just enough that the output does not exceed Ceiling. It adds no latency. Release sets how quickly the gain recovers and Hold keeps the reduction for a moment first. Channel link ties all channels of a bundle to the strongest one so the image does not shift.

It limits sample peaks only. It is not a true-peak limiter, so peaks between samples can still exceed the ceiling after digital-to-analog conversion.

## When to use it

Use it as a final safety stage, after gain boosts or [Drive](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.drive/), or on a sum of several sources. For smoother level control use the [Compressor](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.compressor/).

## Ports

<!-- ports:start -->

| Port    | Direction | Signal | Lanes                   |
| ------- | --------- | ------ | ----------------------- |
| `audio` | Input     | Audio  | Inferred from the cable |
| `audio` | Output    | Audio  | Inferred from the cable |

<!-- ports:end -->

## Parameters

<!-- parameters:start -->

| Parameter      | Label            | Range     | Default | Unit | Scale  | Notes                                                                              |
| -------------- | ---------------- | --------- | ------- | ---- | ------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `ceiling`      | Ceiling          | -24 to 0  | -1      | dBFS | linear | Sample-peak ceiling. This is not an intersample true-peak guarantee.               |
| `release`      | Release          | 1 to 1000 | 80      | ms   | log    | Gain-reduction recovery time constant.                                             |
| `hold`         | Hold             | 0 to 250  | 0       | ms   | linear | Holds attenuation before recovery.                                                 |
| `auto_release` | Adaptive release | 0 to 1    | 0       |      | linear | Blends the chosen release with a slower recovery after sustained reduction.        |
| `link`         | Channel link     | 0 to 1    | 1       |      | linear | Blends independent detectors with the strongest detector across the entire bundle. |

<!-- parameters:end -->

### Ceiling (`ceiling`)

The highest sample level allowed, from -24 to 0 dBFS. The default is -1 dBFS.

### Release (`release`)

The gain recovery time, from 1 to 1000 ms.

### Hold (`hold`)

Holds gain reduction for up to 250 ms before recovery begins.

### Adaptive release (`auto_release`)

Blends the chosen Release with a slower recovery after sustained reduction.

### Channel link (`link`)

From independent detectors (0) to one detector following the strongest channel across the bundle (1).

## Tips

- Heavy limiting makes sound flatter and louder. Stop when it stops sounding natural.
- Leave a little headroom with a ceiling around -1 dBFS.
- Use Adaptive release to avoid pumping on sustained loud material.

## See also

[Compressor](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.compressor/), [Gain](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.gain/), [Drive](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/std.drive/).