Question about limiting amplifiers...

[Wheeler004]

I was looking for a studio compressor online and I saw the Mercury 66 Limiting Amplifier. It's way out of my price range, but I am now curious about the function of limiting amplifiers. Are they just fancy compressors/limiters? Are they used in the same way as a studio compressor/limiter? Would I still need to a microphone preamp? Does the limiting amplifier come before or after the preamp (I'm guessing it comes after). Do all studio compressors/limiters require a preamp and comes second in the chain?

Basically, I'm wondering if I should buy a studio compressor/limiter or a limiting amplifier like the Mercury 66 (only cheaper and in stereo). Or are they the same thing, just called by different names? Thanks!

[loudboy]

I was looking for a studio compressor online and I saw the Mercury 66 Limiting Amplifier. It's way out of my price range, but I am now curious about the function of limiting amplifiers. Are they just fancy compressors/limiters? Are they used in the same way as a studio compressor/limiter? Would I still need to a microphone preamp? Does the limiting amplifier come before or after the preamp (I'm guessing it comes after). Do all studio compressors/limiters require a preamp and comes second in the chain?

Basically, I'm wondering if I should buy a studio compressor/limiter or a limiting amplifier like the Mercury 66 (only cheaper and in stereo). Or are they the same thing, just called by different names? Thanks!

Same sort of functionality - level control, just not as many features.

If you want to explore what compresson/limiting is all about, buy an FMR RNC, and play around with it. After you've got a handle on the basics, get a Distressor.

You'll still need a mic pre, and the comp/limiter goes AFTER it, but before the A/D converter