glossary
Limiter threshold sets the point where the limiter starts turning peaks down.
Limiter threshold is the level above which the limiter applies gain reduction. Lowering the threshold makes more of the signal hit the limiter and usually increases density.
Some limiters combine threshold and input gain into one workflow, but the idea is the same: more level into the limiter creates more gain reduction.
A lower threshold can make a master louder, but it can also reduce punch, pull ambience forward, distort low end, and make cymbals feel busy.
If the threshold is doing too much work, earlier clipping, compression, or mix balance decisions may need attention instead.
Adjust threshold while watching gain reduction and true peak, then loudness-match the result against the bypassed chain. The louder version will almost always feel better at first.
Use integrated loudness to judge delivery level and short-term movement to hear whether the limiter is flattening the song.