

For example, 2:1 is considered gentle compression, while 8:1 is considered extreme. Ratio is the strength of the compression. How compressed? That depends on the ratio.

What happens next? Well, any audio above -12dB is then due to be compressed. So, let’s say our threshold ‘gatekeeper’ allows everything under -12dB through to the next stage. But as you turn it down towards negative infinity, more of the audio gets attenuated or quietened. When it’s set to 0dB, the full signal is allowed through unchanged. Let’s look at what some of these knobs do. All of those knobs on a compressor have different duties. Usually to make it more punchy and louder in the mix.Ĭompressors allow you to fine tune a few key settings in order to control changes to both the amplitude and time of the signal as it passes through. We use compressors to make changes to the sound’s amplitude (volume). Compressors are a indispensable part of recorded music. Most music heard today contains compression, particularly on vocals.

Compressors are super-useful devices for smoothing out volume spikes while also giving quieter sounds more punch and presence. Loud sounds get reduced in volume while softer sounds get raised. One of the top vocal compressors out thereĪ compressor condenses the louds and softs of an audio signal. Let’s Start with the Basics What is a compressor? Softube Tube-Tech CL-1B Compressor. Keeping them in mind will help you to stay on the right track. So in this post we’ll go over a few compressor settings to use when you’re recording and mixing vocals in your studio. Getting the right compression setting for vocals will go a long way in how well your music will sound.Īn incorrectly compressed lead vocalist, or overly compressed backing vocals, can seriously hurt an otherwise excellent creative masterpiece.
