245: Normalization vs Compression vs Limiting (With Audio Examples)

The Podcast Engineering Show

I define and discuss the differences between normalization, compression and limiting. Also the usefulness of each and when to use them. And I play audio examples!

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Here are the plugins I referred to (by category):

Compressors:

• Scheps Omni Channel — https://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channel
• CLA-2A — https://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter
• CLA-76 — https://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-76-compressor-limiter
• Abbey Road RS124 — https://www.waves.com/plugins/abbey-road-rs124-compressor#introducing-abbey-road-rs124-compressor

Channel Strips:

• Scheps Omni Channel — https://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channel
• Focusrite SC — https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_focusrite_sc.html
• SSL E Channel — https://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-e-channel —OR— https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_ssl_4000_e.html

Upward Compression:

• MaxxVolume — https://www.waves.com/plugins/maxxvolume
• MV2 — https://www.waves.com/plugins/mv2
• Fabfilter Pro-MB — https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-in
• Neutron 3 — https://www.izotope.com/en/products/neutron.html
• Oxford Inflator — https://www.sonnox.com/plugin/oxford-inflator-v3

Vocal Riders:

• Vocal Rider — https://www.waves.com/plugins/vocal-rider
• MAutoVolume — https://www.meldaproduction.com/MAutoVolume
• HoRNet AutoGain Pro MK2 — https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-autogain-pro-mk2/
• DynaRide2 — https://www.tbproaudio.de/products/dynaride
• GainRider3 — https://www.tbproaudio.de/products/gainrider
• Outlaw — https://www.waproduction.com/plugins/view/outlaw
• POWAIR — https://www.soundradix.com/products/powair/

Limiters:

• Pro-L 2 — https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-l-2-limiter-plug-in
• Scheps Omni Channel — https://www.waves.com/plugins/scheps-omni-channel
• CLA-2A — https://www.waves.com/plugins/cla-2a-compressor-limiter
• Focusrite SC — https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_focusrite_sc.html
• SSL E Channel — https://www.waves.com/plugins/ssl-e-channel —OR— https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/bx_console_ssl_4000_e.html
• Pro-MB — https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-in

Dual Stage Compressors:

• Aquamarine 4 — https://www.acustica-audio.com/store/products/aquamarine
• Shadow Hills Class A Mastering Compressor — https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/shadow_hills_class_a_mastering_comp.html

Multiband Compression: (great for people who move on and off mic a lot)

• Pro-MB — https://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-mb-multiband-compressor-plug-in
• C6 — https://www.waves.com/plugins/c6-multiband-compressor
• Neutron 3 — https://www.izotope.com/en/products/neutron.html
• Ozone 9 — https://www.izotope.com/en/products/ozone.html

Other Notes:

• If you ever have questions please reach out!
• The start date for the next PES semester is April 4, 2023 and then June 27, 2023! (fyi, the course is delivered once per quarter)
• If you’d like to share this show with any of your podcaster friends, feel free to send them a message saying, “Btw, here’s a show about podcast audio production you may find helpful” with this link: https://podcastengineeringschool.com/subscribe/
• My smaller course for editors/producers who want more good clients: Getting New Clients at Higher Rates

Let me know if you have any questions or need any help with anything, ~Chris