glossary
Release time decides how the limiter lets go after controlling a peak.
Limiter release controls how quickly the limiter returns to normal gain after reducing a peak. A fast release can preserve loudness but may distort low-frequency material.
A slow release can sound smoother, but it may hold the mix down after each transient and create obvious pumping.
If the release is fighting the tempo, the mix can breathe in an unnatural way. Drums may lose impact, bass may swell, and vocal brightness can shift after loud hits.
Auto-release modes can help, but they still need checking against the song rather than trusted blindly.
Look at gain reduction movement, true peak, and loudness while changing release. A setting that wins half a LUFS may still be worse if it creates overs or audible recovery artifacts.
Meter Core keeps loudness and peak checks visible while you tune the limiter for musical movement.