glossary
Threshold decides how much limiting happens; ceiling decides the maximum output level.
A limiter threshold sets the level where limiting begins. Lowering it usually increases gain reduction and makes the signal louder or denser depending on makeup behavior.
A limiter ceiling sets the highest allowed output level, usually to protect against clipping or leave true-peak margin.
Raising loudness by pushing into the threshold is different from raising the ceiling. A higher ceiling may create unsafe peaks without changing how hard the limiter works.
A lower threshold can make the limiter distort, pump, or flatten transients even when the ceiling looks conservative.
Choose the ceiling based on the final format, then adjust threshold or input gain while listening for limiter artifacts. Verify the rendered file after export.
Meter Core helps separate gain reduction, true peak, and loudness so these controls do not get treated as one knob.