# Audio Limiter Apply a limiter to prevent clipping > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-limiter - **Category:** Media - **Keywords:** audio, limiter, loudness, clipping ## Overview The Audio Limiter tool applies a digital limiter to audio files to prevent clipping and control peak levels. It lets you set a maximum dB threshold and adjust release time for smooth limiting, ensuring clear, distortion-free audio. ## Inputs - **Audio File** (file): Select an audio file - **Limit (dB)** (number): -1 - **Release (ms)** (number): 50 - **Output Format** (select) ## When to use - When audio recordings have sudden peaks that cause clipping or distortion. - To normalize loudness levels across tracks for consistent playback. - Before exporting audio for streaming or distribution to meet platform standards. ## How it works - Upload your audio file in a supported format like MP3 or WAV. - Set the limit dB value to define the maximum output level. - Adjust the release time in milliseconds to control limiter recovery. - Choose an output format and process the file to download the limited audio. ## Use cases - Podcast editing to ensure consistent volume and prevent listener fatigue. - Music production for mastering tracks to achieve commercial loudness levels. - Video sound design to balance dialogue and background music without distortion. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is audio clipping? Clipping occurs when audio signals exceed the maximum level, causing distortion. ### What does the limit dB setting do? It sets the threshold above which audio is limited to prevent peaks from exceeding this level. ### How does release time affect the audio? A shorter release time can make limiting more aggressive, while a longer time allows for smoother recovery. ### What audio formats are supported? The tool supports common formats like MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, and more for input and output. ### Is there a file size limit? Yes, the maximum file size is 200 MB per upload. ## Related tools - [Batch Audio Normalize](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-batch-normalize): Normalize multiple audio files to a target peak level with consistent volume across the batch - [Audio Fade In](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-fade-in): Apply a fade-in effect to the beginning of the audio - [Audio Fade Out](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-fade-out): Apply a fade-out effect to the end of the audio - [Audio High-Pass Filter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-high-pass-filter): Apply a high-pass filter to remove low frequencies - [Audio Loudness Normalize (LUFS)](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-loudness-normalize): Normalize audio to a target loudness (LUFS) using FFmpeg loudnorm - [Audio Low-Pass Filter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-low-pass-filter): Apply a low-pass filter to remove high frequencies - [Audio Noise Gate](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-noise-gate): Apply a noise gate to remove low-volume noise - [Audio Podcast Trailer Builder](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-podcast-trailer-builder): Assemble a short podcast trailer from intro music, up to 5 highlight clips, a music bed under the clips, and a loudness target. ## Samples - [Copyright-Free FLAC Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/flac-samples): Lossless FLAC audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/mp3-samples): Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio - [Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/wav-samples): Uncompressed PCM WAV audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free Raw PCM Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/pcm-samples): Raw PCM s16le audio samples featuring nature ambience and relaxing music for waveform, playback, and conversion workflows ## Related content - [Audio Loudness, Dynamics, and Mastering Delivery Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-mastering-loudness-workflows): Measure LUFS and true peak, normalize loudness, shape dynamics, and prepare podcast, broadcast, or music files for cleaner audio delivery in one mastering-focused hub. - [Audio Encoding and Format Conversion Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-convert): Compare audio format conversion, bitrate changes, sample-rate conversion, codec swaps, and export tools in one hub for delivery and archive workflows. - [Audio Editing and Cleanup Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-utility): Compare audio trimming, silence removal, fades, mixing, and denoise tools in one hub for podcast, voiceover, and music cleanup workflows. - [Audio Preview, Tone, and Effect Generator Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-generate): Compare audio preview generation, silence creation, ringtone building, fingerprinting, loudness reports, and effect-style audio generators in one hub.