In our series of videos will look at some common compression parameters, so you can understand how to optimize your compressor, for whatever thing you're working with.
Well, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of parameters it does cover. The main parameters found in fully adjustable hardware and software compressors.
It's a good idea to develop some mastery over the individual parameters, so that you can tailor compression to suit your particular music and taste. When you work with compressors you'll understand that in the end, all the parameters interact with each other. So, no single parameter is more important than the others, and adjustment to one will likely have an effect on the behavior of the others.
Remember, it takes time to learn compression effectively, in part because it takes time to learn to hear the effect of compression well. I'll tell you a few examples of the sound a compression. I'm going to exaggerate compression so you can hear it quite obviously. You may not use this much compression typically, this is just for the sake of demonstration.
This first example is a Full Mix played with no compression, and then, played with a lot of compression. Hear some things to listen for.
When you listen to the compressed version:
- Drums: Less bright
- Midrange instruments: Emphasized
- Pitch: Clearer
- Pulse and rhythm: Less prominent
(Example: For the Money and the Fame, Salda)
Now let's listen to an example of just an electric base. It's easier to notice the effect of compression on a single sustained note than listening to a full mix.
In the uncompressed version, the note dies off naturally, but when you listen to the compressor version, you'll hear that the sustain is exaggerated. The compressor evens out the dynamic contrast between loud and soft.
(Example: Electric bass)
There are as many different examples as there are instruments and performances. Again, it takes time and practice to achieve the amount of compression that suits your music. The other videos in our series will focus on individual parameters, to help you dive deep into understanding, and designing compressor settings yourself.
Enjoy.
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