Is the limiter setting a guaranteed final peak ceiling?

No. The limiter response and output gain affect the result. Check the rendered output peak instead of relying on the setting alone.

Why must I create another preview before exporting?

Parameter changes make the previous render outdated. A new preview ensures the exported audio uses the settings you just chose.

Dynamics workbench

Compress and limit a track, watch the transfer curve and the before/after peaks, then export. This is a compressor and a limiter — not an automatic mastering service.

Choose an audio fileMP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC and more · Up to 20 MB / 5 minutes

Transfer curve

Input level on the horizontal axis, output level on the vertical axis, both in dB.

Processing chain

Input gain0 dBDrives the compressor harder before it detects level.Threshold-18 dBLevel where compression starts.Ratio3.0:1How much the signal above the threshold is reduced.Attack10 msHow quickly compression engages.Release150 msHow quickly compression lets go.Knee6 dBSoftens the corner around the threshold.Limiter ceiling-1 dBThe limiter never lets the output exceed this level.Output gain0 dBMake-up gain applied after the limiter.

Your file stays on this device. Preview and export render the same node graph offline; changing a setting clears the previous result.

Good to know

Dynamics workbench

Shape how a recording responds when its level rises. The dynamics workbench combines input gain, compression, limiting, and output gain so you can control sudden peaks in narration or compare different amounts of compression on a music demo. Threshold and ratio determine how strongly louder material is reduced, while attack, release, and knee change the response around it. The transfer curve is a guide, and the rendered preview gives you an actual output-peak reading to check. Compare original and processed playback before exporting WAV or MP3. Rebuild the preview after changing settings. Processing is local; this page does not perform automatic mastering, equalization, or loudness normalization to a streaming target.

What each setting does

Threshold, ratio, and knee: Threshold sets where compression begins; ratio sets its strength; knee softens the transition into compression.
Attack and release: Attack controls how quickly reduction develops; release controls recovery. Compare transients and breathing or pumping as you adjust.
Gains and limiter: Input gain drives compression; the limiter threshold restrains peaks. Output gain changes the final level, so check the rendered peak.

Load a recording and begin with conservative gain and compression settings.
Render a preview, compare original and processed audio, and inspect the measured output peak.
Adjust one control group, rebuild the preview, and export WAV or MP3 when satisfied.

A few useful answers

It can reduce the contrast between attacks and quieter details. Lower the ratio or reconsider attack and release, then compare again.