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USING COMPRESSION
Though you can say that using a Compressor in general is
about reducing the dynamic content of a signal thereby
having better control, there are many different angles on
how to use compression. Depending on the specific
application you may have different starting points and goals
when you apply compression. As personal style also is a
major consideration it is hard to give specific answers on
how to use compression. However, here are some guide-
lines.
First a short description of the basic parameters.
Illustration
Dynamic Section
Threshold
When the signal rises above the set Threshold point the
Compressor is activated.
Ratio
The Ratio setting determines how hard the signal is
compressed.
Attack
The Attack time is the response time of the Compressor.
The shorter Attack time the sooner the Compressor will
start to work after the signal rises above the set Threshold.
Release
The Release time is the time it takes for the Compressor to
release the gain reduction of the signal after the signal
drops below the Threshold point again.
Example:
Threshold is set to -6dB
Ratio is set to 2:1
Attack is set to 10ms
Release is set to 300ms
A relatively loud musical phrase reaches -2dB on the Input.
As the Threshold is set to -6dB, 4dB of the signal will be
processed. The Ratio of 2:1 means that each of the 4dBs
above Threshold will be reduced to 0.5dB. So, the 4dB above
Threshold on the Input side will be reduced to only 2dB on
the Output. This gain-reduction is reached in 10ms which is
specified by the Attack time. When the Input signal drops
below the Threshold (-6dB) again, the Compressor ceases
to process/reduce the Output signal. The Release time
specifies how long it will take until no processing is taking
place.
Spectral Adjust Section
Selecting Full-range or Multi-band mode
Evaluate the frequency range of the source material. If your
source material has a wide frequency range with peaks in
specific frequency areas, the Multi-band mode should
probably be your choice. If on the other hand you are
working on e.g a repeating back-up vocal harmony within a
relatively small frequency area the Full range mode would
apply perfectly.
Better Definition of Vocal material
If the object is to define the Source material e.g a voice a
gentle compression would be appropriate. By delicately
controlling the peaks of the signal you are able increase
the overall level of the signal and the low level content of
the signal will be increased. Try using a high Threshold
setting to keep the dynamic content of the signal and to
avoid processing the entire signal all the time. A low to
medium Ratio and Attack setting will give you the soft and
often desired compression used when working with vocals.
Guideline Settings
Ratio: 2:1
Attack: 10ms
Release: 200ms