EQ And Compression

EQ and compression are two of the most versatile dynamic effects in any studio. Used both widely as editing and mixing tools, this first episode of In The Bedroom Studio: Mixing Mindset edition, explores how to conceptualize the elements of equalization and compression within a mix.

Suggested readings:

"Understanding Audio Compressors and Audio Compression"
by Barry Rudolph
http://www.barryrudolph.com/mix/comp.html

"Audio 101: EQ"
by Russ http://www.airusersblog.com/home-page/author/airusersblog
http://www.airusersblog.com/home-page/2010/10/2/audio-101-eq.html

The Mixing Mindset is a mini-series dedicated to the little details that sometimes escape our attention during the music mixing and mastering processes. In this collection Justin explores the simplicity of every-day tools such as equalization and compression, organizing mix sessions and work flows, working along side a Mastering Engineer and a few ideas on how to Master your own music.

Category:

• Learning & Education

Tags:

• airusersblog
• barry
• bedroom
• compression
• dynamic
• effects
• eq
• equalization
• in
• justin
• magazine
• mindset
• mix
• mixing
• rudolph
• russ
• studio
• the
• winksound

[VcookiemonsterV]

i know its hard to do a compressing tutorial because all vocals are different. but i've always wondered how to know where to start. I guess i'm wondering how do you go from generic settings to an idea of what you want the compressor to do with your vocal track. i have a hard time noticing compression as well besides the basic dynamics of the track.

[WinkSound]

Hi @VcookiemonsterV thanks for getting in touch. It comes down to understanding the basic elements which compose a compressor and how they manipulate audio. Thats when you instinctively you should reach for the threshold or attack knob. Presets can be a good place to start but try experimenting with each parameter to begin training your ear on how each "knob" effects the audio. If you visit our facebook page we've just posted a tutorial on compression which can help. 

[hazardouslee1]

your doing a good job with this in the bedroom series

[WinkSound]

@hazardouslee1 Thanks for tuning in!

[408XavageIV]

Compression - You need a good ear to really understand the sound characteristics , newbies dnt really understand how to use it

[WinkSound]

@408XavageIV True. Compression is one of the most nuanced effects in audio production. Usually more felt than heard although lately, especially in electronic music, compression has come to the fore front as more than just an effect for controlling volume consistencies and dynamics. A good way of learning how to distinguish compression is to over compress a signal and slowly back off to hear the differences in tone, attack, release, dynamics and volume.

[foreverGraceby]

why use a compression that shorten

the dynamic range and auto writes the animation of level when you can just write

Level animation yourself

[408XavageIV]

@WinkSound Yes that is completely true, that is the way I was thought by over compressing a signal and really hearing the differences in the sounds

[GGGiL00]

great tipsss!

[glassprison01]

For electric guitars I usually don't use a lot of compression. If it's a clean electric I'll sometimes add a bit more tho, to me it just sounds more natural that way.