Abstract: The present invention relates to electric audio devices and to communication devices. It also relates to the protection and increased performance of audio devices and electro acoustic 5 transducers like loudspeakers and headphones in portable devices and fixed installed equipment in entertainment products. The present invention provides a method for operating a dynamic range control with an adaptive threshold. A dynamic range control comprises at least an audio signal input, an audio signal output and a power or volume control. The method comprises receiving a number of thresholds comprising at least a maximum power level for short time interval operation and a maximum power level for long time operation of an electro acoustic transducer. The method further comprises continuously detecting the power of the audio input signal.