Updated October 2026 · Loudness and levels
For speech, start with a ceiling a few decibels below full scale, a release that lets the voice breathe, and only enough gain reduction to catch the loudest peaks. If the voice sounds squashed or pumps, you have done too much.
A limiter stops the loudest peaks from going over a set ceiling. Used lightly, it protects the sound and keeps the level steady. Used heavily, it squashes the voice and removes the life from it. The skill is in using only enough to do the job, and speech needs a gentler touch than many music presets suggest.
A limiter reduces the gain when the signal would exceed its ceiling. The amount of reduction shows on the meter. A small amount, a few decibels on the loudest words, is normal. Large, constant reduction means the input is too loud for the setting, or the mix needs more gentle levelling first.
The voice sounds squashed or small, the breaths get louder, or the background noise rises between words. Pumping, where the level moves audibly with each word, is another sign. Reduce the gain reduction, then listen again. If the mix needs that much limiting, fix the levels earlier in the chain.
After limiting, check the true peak and the loudness of the exported file, not only the project. The LUFS meter is useful for confirming the final level, and listening on a phone will tell you whether the voice still sounds natural.
Limiter presets are starting points, not answers. Every voice and recording is different. Use the settings as a place to begin, and adjust by ear until the voice sounds clear and natural, with only the peaks caught.
Integrated LUFS, true peak and streaming targets. Runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
A light limiter can help, especially for protecting against peaks. Use it gently.
The level moves audibly with each word because the limiter reacts too strongly. Use a slower release or less gain.
If the voice sounds flat or the breaths get loud, you are using too much. A few decibels on the peaks is typical.
It can raise the average level, but it does so by reducing the peaks. It cannot add clarity.
