Compression in a nutshell. The main concept of setting up a compressor is looking at the level at which the compressor needs to start working. This is set with the ‘threshold’ setting. The threshold setting will be different for every situation. The ratio determines the ‘amount’ of compression. A ratio of 8:1 means more compression than a 2:1 compression ratio. The speed of the compressor is set with the attack and release time. Be aware that setting the attack of the compressor too fast the gain reduction can reduce the original attack of the signal. COMPRESSION OVER TIME ” COMPRESSOR SETTINGS GUIDELINE. - Remember that compression destroys the actual dynamic range of your signal. - A Compressor that has the attack set too fast may sound unpleasant. - Compressors that are set too slow may not compress transient peaks like snare-drums. - Signals that are ‘overcompressed’ can sound distorted, flat and lifeless. Threshold set to achieve +/- 2 dB up to +/-4 dB of gain reduction. Ratio: 2:1 up to 4:1 Attack: Medium/Fast Release: Medium/Fast “Note: Don't apply compression on your mix if this needs to be mastered. Mastering-engineers generally like to do this them- selves: It’s their job. (Mastering will also be a part of season 3 of the Audio Engineering Tutorials by WickieMedia on Youtube.)Threshold set to ac Ratio: 2:1 up to 4:1 ¢ LOUD VOCALS Threshold set to ac Ratio: 4:1 up to 8:1 All he good su ieve +/- 4dB up to +/-70B of gain reduction. Attack: Fast / Medium Release: Fast / Medium ieve up to +/- 12dB of gain reduction. Attack: Fast / Medium Release: Fast / Medium Grr (Drum-buss or grouped drums.) Threshold set to ac Ratio: 2:1 up to 4:1 Threshold set to ac Ratio: 2:1 up to 4:1 Threshold set to ac Ratio: 2:1 up to 5:1 ieve 4dB up to 8dB of gain reduction. Attack: Fast Release: Fast / Medium ieve +/- 30B up to 6dB of gain reduction. Attack: Fast/medium Release: Medium ieve 2dB up to 12dB of gain reduction. (depending on style and taste) Attack: Fast Release: Fast / Medium Threshold set to achieve +/- 3dB up to +/- 7dB of gain reduction. Ratio: 2:1 up to 6:1 Attack: Medium Release: Fast / Medium For ‘faster’ compression on transient sounds increase the attack time. To learn more about compression and compression techniques head over to www.wickiemedia.net