Usually, a limiter has a threshold so that no signal will go over that level (otherwise the name is compressor).
So I’m wondering :
is it a compressor that will stick your level between the threshold and 0dBFS (max level), or will it really limit your signal to the threshold level.
the threshold is in percentage (default 80%) : does it mean 80% of dynamics (something like < -10dB depending on your audio settings), or 80% of max level (about -2dBFullScale)
The Cantabile built-in output limiter is not a true limiter, but rather a “soft clipper”
a true limiter would lower the overall volume whenever the signal level exceeds the threshold - and recover the volume level after a release time.
Cantabile’s output limiter simply stops any signal exceeding the percentage set in the parameter without lowering overall volume. Essentially, it clips signal peaks, but with a “rounded edge”.
I’d call Cantabile’s function a “soft saturator” - and naturally such a process creates distortions, which is what you don’t want from a limiter.
So if you’re after a limiting function I’d recommend a separate plugin somewhere in a “master rack” in your songs. I use LoudMax - free and simple.
Soft sat (with 0 latency) is pergect for me, especially if we’re talking about 80% of max level, (20log0.8/1=-2dBFS), thus working on accidental peaks while working at normal digital average level (-18->-12), combined with FabFilter C2, just like you
It brings another question to me : is audio recording pre or post limiter ?
