In this tip, Pyramind’s Audio Fundamentals instructor Dan Blum walks you through the theory and parameter settings of compression. There are two concepts he wants you to keep in the back of your mind as you watch - signal flow, and gain staging. Watch part 2 for audio examples of the compressor at work.
For more info on our Core Audio Engineer program:
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This widely used but often misunderstood mix essential is broken down for you into easy to understand concepts.
He walks you through the basic purpose of compression (limiting dynamic range) as well as common parameter settings found on almost every compressor.
00:04:58 - Threshold - The point at which the compressor is going to start to work
00:07:13 - Ratio - Input Level vs Output Level
00:09:28 - Attack - The amount of time it takes for the compressor to reduce a signal that passes the threshold 2/3 of the way
00:12:17 - Release - The amount of time it takes for the compressor to pull back the signal
