FabFilter User Forum
What can Pro-L do that Pro-C can't
I'm toying with the notion of buying Pro-L but I'm curious to hear why I can't simply use Pro-C as a brickwall-type limiter. Shouldn't they function similarly? I mean, in theory a limiter is a compressor, right?
Any clarification is appreciated.
jim — Jun 18, 2014
Hi Jim,
Indeed limiting is a form of compression, but compression is not the same as limiting :-)
With a limiter, it is possible to ensure that digital overshoots are avoided; the level will never exceed a certain output level. This is very important during mastering, at the end of the processing chain. But limiting can also be very useful during mixing (I find myself using Pro-L on vocals and drums a lot!)
A compressor generally has longer attack and release properties, great to adjust general dynamics during mixing and mastering, but not suitable to ensure a certain maximum output level...
Hope this helps!
Are there features in Pro C2 that are not in Pro L. In other words if I get Pro L, will I be missing features that Pro C2 offers?
Hey Adam,
Except the fact that Pro-C2 is a compressor, and not a limiter (Variable compression ratio), you'll be missing quite a lot.
Especially the very flexible side-chain processing (Filters, Mid/Side, and more)
Yeah they serve a different purpose and will give very different results. It's probably a good idea to check up on Fabfilter's excellent tutorial video's on both Pro-L and Pro-C, they give a good overview of how to use them individually, and may help you to better understand compression and limiters in general.