volume-limiting amplifier

volume-limiting amplifier

[′väl·yəm ¦lim·əd·iŋ ′am·plə‚fī·ər] (electronics) Amplifier containing an automatic device that functions only when the input signal exceeds a predetermined level, and then reduces the gain so the output volume stays substantially constant despite further increases in input volume; the normal gain of the amplifier is restored when the input volume returns below the predetermined limiting level.