The present invention provides for methods and systems for digitally processing an audio signal and setting a peak signal threshold to a level that is determined to be safe, particularly for children or listeners with sensitive hearing. In various embodiments, a method comprises adjusting a gain of the signal based upon a received profile value minus a safety parameter, filtering the signal with a low shelf filter and/or high shelf filter, passing the signal through a first compressor that sets a peak threshold based upon the profile value minus the safety parameter, filtering the signal again with a low shelf filter and/or high shelf filter, processing the signal with a graphic equalizer, passing the signal through a second compressor that sets a peak threshold based upon the profile minus the safety parameter, and outputting the signal.