Simple Compressor Tutorial

[lagwagonjohnny]

Thanks a lot for this tutorial. It's a hard subject to explain :/

[pitolove71]

Slow learner...thank you so much for your tutorials! What would I have done without your assistance? Thanks again, greetings from FL, U.S.

[brandonhughes7]

i think im watching the wrong video im looking for an air compressor

[Arlesterc]

I would highly recommend that you not talk over the samples - it makes it next to impossible to hear the effect.

[CastleRecordz]

This may a dumb question, but how do you know the general level most your vocals are in order to set a decent threshold?

[OberstHulmbug]

quite a nasty click on the attack there

[selatik1]

Helpful perhaps for British people who can understand what the hell he's saying.

[djscratch22]

thanks mate great work

[djembeing]

good example of how to use it. For a beginner this would be very helpful. yea, it sounds like shit but he shows you a few things you can do with a compressor. In the video it's easy to hear how the sound changes. good example

[ivan00000006]

With all that compression you have you should have raised the gain on your video.

[dariunas]

LOL - I was thinking that exact thing when I was listening... rather ironic :)

[MissingAmongPeople]

@ivan00000006 i was just going to say that. should have used compression on his voice lol

[TheOfficialChaney]

@ivan00000006 lol right

[sl2mmer]

It's kinda difficult to understand this in theory. Would it help if I would just experiment on a single kick/snare drum or a drum loop?

[MissingAmongPeople]

@sl2mmer provided you have a very clear understanding of all of the controls. i know it is hard to understand, i can remember but focus your mind on understanding the controls because it is pointless otherwise.

i am just seeing your post was a year ago. how are you getting on now?

[SpectraDnb]

Use this into drums! Is the principal purpose of a compressor!!!

[HookedOnHardware]

No it's not... Compressors and limiters came into play back in the days of vinyl recording.. It is also  an innate characteristic of tape (tape compressor). It certainly wasn't invented just for drums. It can be used on everything IF necessary. Either as a flavor or if needed to control dynamics. Tip to the noobies, only use compression if it is required. Do not use it just because you think everything needs it. Use it sparingly and wisely. Do not use it just to make things louder!

[MissingAmongPeople]

@HookedOnHardware that's not really a tip as newbies don't know whether they need compression or not. that comes with experience so i would say to all the newbies, use it, listen carefully, then decide.

[dariunas]

lol - not quite.

Compression is used to control 'dynamic range'. (Or compress dynamic range of audio.)

I use it to control instruments that vary in volume a bit wildly across my track, you can tame those aspects and keep the levels within an acceptable range. Say I never want my violins to go over -12dB, but I still want the hard attack of them. I can use compression to LIMIT that high peaking volume when it wants to get loud... do you see...?

[MissingAmongPeople]

@SpectraDnb no it is not! compressors have many other uses, not just on drums. jesus, if you don't know what you are talking about can you kindly keep your mouth shut (hands off keyboard)

[AlexandriaLornaMusic]

really hard to understand!

[nunchaku1992]

respect!

[spaterman]

THANK YOU!! where do you get that comp?

[Chatty707]

That's a compressor from reason and it sucks

[SpectraDnb]

in music production everyone will tell you:

"Less is more"

;)

[jakerorie]

you should have compress your audio...your modulation is very low...yeah you did a good job anyway...thanks

[spoonertunes]

Awesome description of how a compressor works. I've trawled the internet looking for a real simple explanation and was mega pleased when I came across this vid. Thanks.

[PhillyBornBRpro]

the software is Reason

[lighttech258852]

WHat is the name of that software?

[floatmethod]

well done sir!

one of the most simple and effective descriptions and examples of the use of compression

[vatolegato]

thanks for the tutorial. One suggestion though, can you please try to raise the volume of your voice because I can barely hear it, especially over the piano.

[BigCheeseMC26280]

+1, other than that, great tutorial, thanks tons mate

[Tevin85]

Very Helpful!!!

[allooo]

don't drink and teach.

What's with the lithp.

[leamog]

Very simple, very nice tutorial. Thnx laweffect.

[schizoflux]

good tutorial, so what's a standard compression setting you would use for a track? Or do you just compress individual instruments..

[patmagrath]

why would u use a compresser? good tutorial but what are some of the reasons i would want to use a compresser? im new to all of this, i hard teckno. what are some of the reasons i would use compression in this genre? cheers to replys:)

[Bionuker]

When used right, it makes sounds easier to adjust. It gives them more flexibility.

[JoeyRythem]

More dynamic range

[HuntrMastr]

uh, that's LESS dynamic range. Less. Compression makes quieter sounds louder, closer to the volume of louder sounds.

[JoeyRythem]

I stand corrected. I was thinking of High Dynamic Range from motion film for some reason.

Thanks

[strappinggermanlad]

i just discovered your site through this video. It is exactly what i was looking for :) I will be sure to stick around. but right now, i gotta hit the sack

[strappinggermanlad]

i just discovered your site through this video. It is exactly what i was looking for :) I will be sure to stick around. but right now, i gotta hit the sack

[wobinidan]

Thanks a lot for this. I am having quite a lot of difficulties understanding compression and this is quite concise and helpful.

[CAJUNNSC]

Very well put. Using audio with graphics clears any misunderstandings up completely.

I will visit your site often, I'm sure. As a home grown audiophile i.e.: composer musician, I can say without question much of the so called tutorials and books simply complicate the whole process driving away those of us that need that's hands on approach. So that said, Hats off to ya mate! Thanks and Rock On!

[LhiPhiL]

Thanks, nice and simple tutorial

[BasicNewb]

What label is this...Fruity Loops???

[nndsmc]

no it's Reason

[BasicNewb]

is it good?

[CAlanRobinson]

Reason is the best!

[PiGetto]

The best!

[marvellesmith]

Thank u so much for this!

Its simple & tr8 2 the point!

Most books etc dont sink in str8 away but this gives a clear descriptive insight!

[ollertonssoapbox]

great tutorial.

simple yet precise,

a great down-to-earth overview of an often misunderstood processor.

[laweffect]

thanks for all the kind comments. Glad you find this helpful. I've created a new site teachmeaudio dot com which has audio production help and advice.

[nndsmc]

now i'm happy for you guys below me:)

this is what separates the men from the boys...

even if those men were boys and the boys were men XD :/ hehe

[mrgroovy69]

I've been trying to learn what compression does to audio for several months now. Everything I've found has been WAY over my head (I'm not an engineer). Just like Foggerty said, this is the first compression tutorial that's made sense to me. Thank you so much for this (and your other tuts as well)! Also, I'd like to know what software you're using in the video. It looks pretty easy to use.

[Bloop2mylou]

yeah man great tutorial.I learn what compression actually does know..to the last post he's using reason

[Foggerty]

That's the first compression tutorial I've seen that actually made sense to me - cheers!

[fox220]

compressors aren't necessarily supposed to be heard, if used correctly (depends on the effect you're going for though). They were designed purely to make the quiet sounds louder, and louder sounds quieter.

[scxaznlvrr]

Cheers, very simple but I appreciate you putting in the effort, thanks a lot

[mospotski]

sweet

[finkster101]

that was helpful

i always thought it was the other way around, that the compression is applied when the sound is getting thinner

[sambox]

Thanks Mate I appriciate you