How to Hook Up a Compressor Limiter

Typically, a compressor limiter is connected to your sound board.

A compressor limiter is a very useful device that helps to make audio signals a more consistent level. A compressor limiter is actually two devices in one: a limiter, that makes certain a signal doesn't exceed a specified level, and a compressor that automatically brings a signal up to the desired level. Compressor limiters are often used on vocals, electric bass and also on an entire stereo mix. As long as they aren't overused, compressor limiters can give a professional polish to a mix.

Things You'll Need

• Insert cable

Instructions

1. Plug the "send" plug of your insert cable into the "input" jack on your compressor limiter.

2. Plug the "return" plug of your insert cable into the "output" jack on your compressor limiter.

3. Plug the "insert" plug of your insert cable into the "insert" jack on your mixing board on whatever channel you wish to be compressed and/or limited.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a stereo compressor limiter you can use it on stereo signals by switching on the "stereo link" (sometimes called "stereo couple") switch on your compressor limiter.

• If you have a stereo compressor limiter, you can use it on two separate signals by switching off the "stereo link" (sometimes called "stereo couple") switch on your compressor limiter. When the link is off, each channel can be controlled independently.

• You can use the compressor limiter on an electric guitar or bass by plugging your guitar or bass into the "input" jack, and plugging a cable between your compressor limiter and your amplifier.

• Recording studios often connect their compressors and limiters to their patch bays to make it easy to route any source through them.

• Be sure the components are off, or the volume turned down before making connections to your mixing board and the compressor limiter.

References

• "Tweakheadz Lab": All About Compressors

Resources

• "University of North Carolina": Compressor Applications