Audio Mixing Tips- Compression vs Over Compression

I was asked by a friend to make this video about over compression since I mentioned it in part 2 of the Album Production series. I show visually and audibly what proper compression and over compression do to an instrument or track and answer the question "What is compression", describe all functions and have fun.

Don't over compress! Use your ears and quit listening to fatiguing music spoon fed to you by the labels, media and radio!

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[bbp8686]

"imagine being in a thin space and you have one wall thats about 5inches from you, and another one all thats five inches from you, kind like a Jackie Chan thing on Rush Hour or something..." lmaooo

[AstralPlaneStudios]

@bbp8686 I'm glad someone found that humorous! :).

[AstralPlaneStudios]

@shamuswinston Any time!

[shamuswinston]

@AstralPlaneStudios Right on, makes sense to me...thanks.

[AstralPlaneStudios]

@shamuswinston An Expander is just upward compression which is also related to parallel compression. The expander brings up the low level information below the threshold as opposed to standard (downward) compression. In general if there is some sort of low level detail you'd like to bring up, use an expander, 90% of the time, you won't need to touch an expander.

I always EQ after gain staging and compression :). Of course where you put the compressor depends upon what you're trying to do! ;)

[shamuswinston]

@AstralPlaneStudios Hi there, what about an expander? I was told that an expander actually works against the compresser, and probably best not to use at all (I'm talking about the mastering track). What's your view? And also, when do you think it's best to EQ...before or after compression?

[YoMyEx]

@Jesteminny1726 Compression allows you to bring out more gain then just simply turning down the gain knob. Think of compression as a cupid to the loudest and softest peaks. It brings the quiet volume up, while also bringing the voluminous peaks down. It sort brings the loudest peaks and softest peaks together.

[whatthehellimbored]

thanks good vid

[AstralPlaneStudios]

@MartinRyleOShea Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, busy on my end with a few things.

It's a combination of taste and proper usage...the taste part comes onto which compressor you're using and how much GR you are applying. There are ways to achieve the same results and still retain the dynamics of the content (such as parallel compression or even a transient designer) Personally, I'm not happy with this video so I plan to re-make it when I've got the time!

[MartinRyleOShea]

It is very much a taste thing I find, or a trade off for something you want out of the sound. Though it is true some people trade off a little too much