Audio Limiter

Short Description: A limiter is a compressor with a quicker attack time. It is used for a safety device in live applications to prevent sudden spikes in volume like a dropped microphone or any other sudden sound blast. 

Details: A limiter is a compressor with a stronger ratio and quicker attack time. Read the section on compressors. Compression and limiting are no different in process, just in degree and in the perceived effect. Engineers sometimes refer to soft and hard limiting which are differences of degree. The "harder" a limiter, the lower its threshold and the higher its ratio. In short, if you can get a compressor, go ahead and grab a limiter. Don't just buy a limiter and not a compressor. Some companies like Rane offer all-in-one units that contain both in addition to other components 

Brands: DBX Audio, Rane