Limiter Threshold Calculator

Calculate safe limiter threshold to protect your speakers from damage. Prevents clipping and ensures speaker longevity.

Speaker & Amplifier Settings

W

Check your speaker specifications

Ω

Common: 4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω

dB

Preamp or mixer output gain

Max Safe Voltage

28.28Vrms

Maximum voltage before speaker damage

Safety Status

Safe

Limiter threshold is well-protected

Limiter Threshold Settings

Absolute Threshold

dBu

31.2

dBFS

13.2

Set your limiter to this threshold to protect speakers

Recommended Safe Threshold

dBu

28.2

dBFS

10.2

Includes 3dB safety headroom

How It Works

Step 1: Calculate Max Safe Voltage

V = √(P × Z)

Where P = power (watts), Z = impedance (ohms)

Step 2: Convert to dBu

dBu = 20 × log₁₀(Vrms / 0.775)

0.775V is the reference level for dBu

Step 3: Account for Amplifier Gain

Limiter Threshold = dBu - Amp Gain

Higher amp gain requires lower limiter threshold

💡 Pro Tip

Always set your limiter threshold 3-6dB below the calculated maximum to provide safety headroom. This prevents accidental clipping and protects your speakers from unexpected peaks.