Specifications

predict - both of these settings use FIR-based envelope detectors with lookahead to smoothly

catch transients and limit their level.

transient knob

This knob adjusts the attack time of the first stage of limiting, effectively con-

trolling how much of the transient will be passed to the second limiting stage.

Low values reduce distortion but may significantly soften the transient. High

values typically increase the distortion of the transients, but the clarity of the

transients may also be much greater.

release knob

The release knob determines the release time for the first stage of limiting.

Lower values result in a higher perceived loudness level at the cost of distort-

ing the audio signal. Higher values reduce the perceived loudness level but

maintain the clarity of the audio material.

in knob

This knob adjusts the input level of the audio signal, which effectively determ-

ines the amount of limiting applied. Higher settings of this knob will preampli-

fy the input signal before it is sent to the limiter, while lower settings will atten-

uate the signal. As mentioned in the Integrated Leveller section, there is a

threshold above which the perceived loudness no longer increases, and in-

stead increasing the input level only adds pumping artifacts.

PSP Xenon Operation Manual

TIP: Another reason to avoid over-limiting, especially when limiting a full mix, is that too

extreme limiting can make the material sound flat and uninteresting as all the dynamics

will be lost. So remember that “less is more” when it comes to adjusting the in knob.