I don't understand compression. Where do I start?
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Create a free profile →Threshold, ratio, attack, release — what actually matters?
Also searched as: how compression works; compression for beginners; what attack release do
AI starter answer — please verify with real-world experience. Awaiting trusted contributor review.
Audio compression is essentially automatic volume control. It narrows the 'dynamic range' of a sound by turning down the loudest parts so that the quietest parts can be heard more clearly, making the track sound more consistent and polished.
- 1.Set a high Ratio (e.g., 10:1) and a low Threshold temporarily so you can clearly hear the compressor 'squashing' the audio while you learn the controls.
- 2.Adjust the Threshold until the loudest peaks are being turned down; this reduces the dynamic range between the loudest and quietest parts.
- 3.Use the Attack control to let the initial 'hit' (transient) through and the Release control to determine how quickly the volume returns to normal.
- 4.Apply Makeup Gain to bring the overall level back up to where it was before compression, resulting in a more consistent and 'thick' sound.
- ×Avoid 'over-compressing' which kills the life and emotion of a performance by making it perfectly flat.
- ×Watch out for 'pumping' artifacts caused by a release time that is too fast for the tempo of the music.
- ×Be aware that compression raises the floor of background noise (hiss/room tone) as you add makeup gain.
Use your eyes to help your ears: Look at the Gain Reduction (GR) meter. If it's bouncing more than 3-6dB on a natural-sounding track, you're likely over-compressing.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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