After learning the basics about compressors (see Compressors 101 earlier blog entry), then you can use this general guide of the type of overall effect you are going for.
If you want a Natural sound (the compressor is not noticeable):
Use a slower attack (longer than 75 ms) and gentle ratios (less than 2:1). Always allow the compressor to "relax" back to zero several times a measure.
For a Punchy Response:
For a harder, punchier sound, use higher ratios and thresholds, but keep an ear out for any distortion.
If you want a Thick and Dense sound:
For a thicker, denser sound use faster attacks, medium ratios, and lower thresholds. There will be much more gain reduction though.
If you want a Pumping Effect:
For an overstated pumping effect use fast attacks, high ratios, and a longer release time.
DO - Avoid using extreme settings to begin with. This is especially true if you are just trying to control the dynamics.
DON'T - Add compressors to every channel just because you think you're supposed to! Start with minimal compression and carefully choose where, when and why to add a compressor.
DO - Experiment with different kinds of compressors. There can be some big differences!
DON'T - Don't forget to bypass the compressor occasionally to check that you're getting good results.
DO - Remember to balance the output gain so the level doesn't change when you engage the bypass. In other words the before and after volume level should be the same. We hardly ever use compression without changing the output makeup gain. If you add 3 dB of gain reduction (GR), then you should be able to add 3 dB or so of make up gain for the output.
DON'T - Don't be afraid to experiment. Some of the greatest sounds in the history of recorded music came from misused and abused compressors!
Next blog about compressors I will talk about the "Knee" of a compressor! I really do hope this helps. It helped me in the beginning!
As always - Make it a GREAT day!
T
Showing posts with label how to use compressor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to use compressor. Show all posts
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Friday, February 16, 2018
Compressors 101 - the Basics (part 1)
Compressors seem to confuse a lot of people in the beginning, they certainly did me! Here is some helpful information concerning using a compressor in your mixing to help get you started. I will have other blogs on compression, so keep a look out!
1. Decide what you want to achieve. There are really only 4 reasons for using a compressor - control a dynamic signal, add punch or impact, change the sound, create an unusual effect. Make a decision on what your goal is, which one of the four you would like to achieve. Keep listening with your final goal always in mind. Here is a neutral starting point: 2:1 ratio; 75 ms attack; 100 ms release.
2. Overdo to begin with. Pull down the threshold until it starts working. It can be helpful to start with exaggeration. If you're having to turn the threshold way down - boost input level instead. Exaggerating can help get settings right.
3. Listen. Fine tune settings keeping end goal in mind. Once you get close, adjust the threshold.
4. Listen again and balance different settings against one another. Higher ratios usually need higher thresholds. Lower ratios usually need lower thresholds.
5. Experiment. Don't be afraid to change a setting. Just keep listening! Radical amounts are common: 15-20 dB for electric guitars, room mics, drums and even vocals.
For a smoother sound - Use faster attack and higher ratio (But don't lose energy & excitement)
To reduce 'bounce' - Use shorter release time & ease off threshold, or use a lower ratio. Bounce is when you hear the level ducking as the compressor kicks in and then springs back up when it releases.
To add punch - Use a higher ratio, slightly longer attack and shorter release times, but watch out for pumping. Pumping is where the end of the note is louder than the start. Also when adding punch, be careful not to introduce any distortion.
If you add stereo buss compression - be gentle - 1.5:1 and only 2 - 3 dB of gain reduction.
Don't be afraid of using compressors. Experiment with them until you understand them. Try this experiment: print a bass track with heavy compression. Compare the original audio track with the compressed audio track. This will help you understand just exactly what the compressor is doing. You will see a visual representation of what your ears are telling you.
Compressors are a vital part of making music. We use them while tracking, mixing, and many times both tracking and mixing.
I hope this helps! Peace - and as always - make it a GREAT day!
T
1. Decide what you want to achieve. There are really only 4 reasons for using a compressor - control a dynamic signal, add punch or impact, change the sound, create an unusual effect. Make a decision on what your goal is, which one of the four you would like to achieve. Keep listening with your final goal always in mind. Here is a neutral starting point: 2:1 ratio; 75 ms attack; 100 ms release.
2. Overdo to begin with. Pull down the threshold until it starts working. It can be helpful to start with exaggeration. If you're having to turn the threshold way down - boost input level instead. Exaggerating can help get settings right.
3. Listen. Fine tune settings keeping end goal in mind. Once you get close, adjust the threshold.
4. Listen again and balance different settings against one another. Higher ratios usually need higher thresholds. Lower ratios usually need lower thresholds.
5. Experiment. Don't be afraid to change a setting. Just keep listening! Radical amounts are common: 15-20 dB for electric guitars, room mics, drums and even vocals.
For a smoother sound - Use faster attack and higher ratio (But don't lose energy & excitement)
To reduce 'bounce' - Use shorter release time & ease off threshold, or use a lower ratio. Bounce is when you hear the level ducking as the compressor kicks in and then springs back up when it releases.
To add punch - Use a higher ratio, slightly longer attack and shorter release times, but watch out for pumping. Pumping is where the end of the note is louder than the start. Also when adding punch, be careful not to introduce any distortion.
If you add stereo buss compression - be gentle - 1.5:1 and only 2 - 3 dB of gain reduction.
Don't be afraid of using compressors. Experiment with them until you understand them. Try this experiment: print a bass track with heavy compression. Compare the original audio track with the compressed audio track. This will help you understand just exactly what the compressor is doing. You will see a visual representation of what your ears are telling you.
Compressors are a vital part of making music. We use them while tracking, mixing, and many times both tracking and mixing.
I hope this helps! Peace - and as always - make it a GREAT day!
T
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