The final pre-limiter prepares the sound for the final limiter,
to avoid certain unwanted effects such as pumping.
In fact, the final pre-limiter is equal to the final limiter,
except that it processes low (bass to mid) and high (mid to hi-hats) frequencies separately. It
detects which type of sound (low or high frequencies) is the main cause why the volume is too loud,
and reduces that type of sound more than the other.
This way, when for example loud bass sounds are present with a soft hiss, the bass is reduced
without affecting the hiss, which avoids pumping.
The final pre-limiter reduces the part of the sound that causes the volume to be too loud,
but after this filter, sounds may still be too loud. The
final limiter should be used to finish the processing.
Some guidelines for good quality sound:
x (amplification value) should be set such that no more than about 1/3rd of the
total volume is removed (the black bars should fill up less than 1/3rd of the output displays).
Sporadic louder peaks are no problem.
(time) s should be set higher than the value for the final limiter. Suggested
values are 0.20 s or 0.40 s.
When combining the final pre-limiter and the final limiter,
the x (amplification value) setting of the final limiter should be set at or below 1
to get the most benefit from the final pre-limiter.
This means that the x (amplification value) of the final pre-limiter should be used if
amplification is required.
