The Compressor
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The Compressor

If you are recording with a microphone you might notice that the level is sometimes almost clipped and sometimes very low especially singing or speeching voices. To correct this you can use the compressor. It simply reduces all sound that is over the given threshold by the factor given as ratio. Note that the threshold is logarithmic, a mid setting is already relativ low but thats very usable that way. Another note: ratio is at its highest turned to the left, the right end of the poti means no compression at all. As this reduces the loudness there is a output potentiometer to expand (or reduce) the sound. attack and release let you control the time after which the compressor reacts (the time going by after input first exceeds the threshold) and the time the compressor still reacts after sound is below the threshold.

Tip

Test it while you are speaking into your microphone with Play Through enabled and you will hear the difference between the plain and a compressed version.

Tips for compressor usage

These are only tips. In the end the only thing that counts is how it sounds. So if it sounds as you want it, its probably the right setting. And don't hesitate to do some experiments.

Normal speech

Most times a single voice speaking for radio or television is very heavily compressed. Because the main problem of speech is that the level is perhaps the right way at the beginning of the sentence but probably not at the end. Additionaly the wordendings are less loud than the start. That makes it impossible to use spoken words without compressing it. Examplesettings: Short attack, mid-time release, low threshold, very high ratio.

Mastering 1: Limiting the level

To just limit peaks but not compress whole dynamics use a high threshold, a high ration, a short attack and a short-to-mid release. This protects your recording from some internal digital distortion and, with the treshold a bit lower, removes rare (and perhaps unwanted) peakes and gives more room for the actual recorded signal.

Mastering 2: Doing real mastering

Doing real Mastering of music is difficult and depends totally on your hearing and the music that is to be mastered. Normally you will use fast attacks sou you get the level reduced fast enough at the bass drum beat. On the other hand you don't want the music to be pumping up and down just because of the bass drum beats so you select a longer release. The compression factor shouldn't be much. Ideally you would plug a limiter after the compressor to be free of clicks and clippings.

Single Instruments

These settings depend on the instrument. While recording it is wise to use a limitersetting.

Final tip

Use your ears and do some practicing. Anything is allowed if it sounds right!

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