Compression

[Distsci]

Ok a quick hello to all you boys. Just moved to Liverpool from Bath and I'm really into the dnb nights I've been too since getting up here. Lets hear it for Andy C!

But to the point. I've just started producing music on my pc, and I hear a lot of my more musical mates talking about "compression".

What is it? and how's it gonna help me write a tune!

Thanks for any tips.

[supressor]

okay..ere goes..
compression is basically a process that 'squashes' an audio signal..so it makes it all sound one volume level by turning up the quiet bits so they match the loud bits..so if you have a drum loop with loud bass drums and quiet percussion , running it thu a compressor will make the percussion as loud as the bass drum..but too much compression on a track can make it sound liefeless and undynamic..as a rule. compression is great on drums and basslines.

or just go to this link
http://homerecording.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fpc-musician.com%2Fycompression.html

explains it better probably! :conf:

[dj deval]

compressor decreases the gain as the input level increases above a certain threshold. when the input is below the threshold it acts as a 'unity gain amplifier' (ignore this for now). on a compressor you will have (generally) 4 controls:
threshold- level above which the compressor begins to work
ratio- the amount of reduction applied when the level exceeds you chosen threshold
attack- the rate at which compression comes into effect (fuly to the left is v. quick- this is where you'll usually have it)
release- controls how fast the compressor reverts back to the unity gain once the level falls back below the threshold (release is usually a bit longer than the attack time)

to little compression and it wont make any difference, too much and done wrong and you'll start getting 'pumping and breathing'. just experiment and see what you come up with. reason's compressors are just like a studio one, those in cubase 5 and sx have 'auto' fucntions on which are nice but you may have to fiddle about to find the desired dynamic control.

a joe meek comp like i use... (http://www.tfpro.com/products/p3info.php?PHPSESSID=28349ceb9a2caa6199432110afcbe 20e)

[Sol]

ratio- the amount of reduction applied when the level exceeds you chosen threshold

I thought it was the amount added if the threshold wasnt reached.

[daze]

nah - compression only occurs when the signal goes over your chosen threshold.


gates work the other way round ie. when the signal falls below a set threshold.

[Sol]

Gotcha :thumbs:

[cheekz]

Think Deval pretty much summed it up but compression is essential on vocals and when mastering a track to burn to cd.

Just have a play about with the settings, a high ratio will squash nearly all dynamic range, bringing the sound very close and up front in the mix be carefull not to over do it as you will have difficulty trying to get the part to fit in the mix.

Have fun!

;)

p.s. The TL audio copressor is seriously sexy, recorded some bass DI 'd straight into it and then patched the output straight into pro tools last night - very meaty indeed- mmm!

[daze]

Originally posted by cheekz

p.s. The TL audio copressor is seriously sexy, recorded some bass DI 'd straight into it and then patched the output straight into pro tools last night - very meaty indeed- mmm!



your not wrong


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