Peak Vs. RMS Compression - The Perfect Pumping Effect! - Creating Tracks

This quick tutorial explains the difference between peak and RMS compression and will have your mixes pumping harder and more accurately with a single click of the mouse!
Although this lesson uses volume ducking via compression as the primary example, this topic is absolutely relevant and applicable to all tasks involving compression. Knowing the difference between peak and RMS signal detection modes can be the difference between an okay mix and a memorable one. Root mean square algorithms allow compressors to see the incoming audio signal as an average, dismissing the most extreme peaks over time. While peak signal detection is exactly that, recognizing every peak in the audio signal as it comes into the compressor.
Opting for a specific circuit type or brand of compressor may remove the option of choosing between peak and RMS modes. And unless you know for sure what kind of signal detection mode that the compressor is using, you run the risk of not using the mode that may be preferable for the task at hand.
As a general rule of thumb, RMS detection is used for compression that is intended to increase the overall volume of the sound being treated. Peak detection is more suited for severe compression action, like volume ducking on a bass synth triggered by a kick drum, for instance. Choosing between peak and RMS modes can be as simple as that! Of course, there are many things to consider every time you reach to compress a sound. But this general rule should help you pick the right one and get you back to making music a little bit quicker.
Cheers,
OhmLab

[@mogmo9762]

You sound like Dwight Schrute

[@Creatingtrance]

Hmmm... Beat Production vs. Beet Production. Future tutorial requested noted. ;)
Thanks for stopping by!

[@veryawful861]

Identify theft is not a joke, Mogmo.

[@demarlowoods6833]

LMAO

[@robmech255]

Very informative and easy to understand, subscribed now :)

[@RISE-327]

Thanks,you answered a question i was wondering about recently,well explained cheers

[@Creatingtrance]

Happy to help. Glad you enjoyed.

[@dd198111]

Good stuff, I learned a great deal here!

[@AndrewThiriot]

Thanks.

[@xuangarsia]

"... RMS its kind of a sum of all de peaks combined..."
terrible explanation.
a lot of misinformation in this video...

[@DavidGonzalez-oo2cw]

I think you missed 0:38 ...

[@chalerhingo1310]

I like poop! How can I download this track?

[@kojik4271]

5:25

[@blackbooster96]

Dig the information. Maybe a few years late but that swallowing your spit on the mic has got to go.

[@TajinderSinghsa]

Done bro..

[@theguy700]

Please get to the point quick

[@TajinderSinghsa]

Nice...

[@Creatingtrance]

+Tajinder Singh Glad you enjoyed. Subscribe for more!

[@Johnny75x]

Hello little question: So you have to do this ducking technique with the compressor to achieve the pumping effect right? I'm trying to get the terms right

[@Creatingtrance]

indeed - hope this helps ?

[@Johnny75x]

Yeah, I just wanted to be sure when someone ask me "what is ducking/pumping", thank you!

[@alexvds1]

Nice explanation!

[@Creatingtrance]

Alex Silva Thanks! And thank you for checking our our channel, too. :)

[@robvandenbergmuziekles4817]

Very informative. Great video.

[@Creatingtrance]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@Elmex_1]

It sounds kinda like you're coming up with stuff on the go. Next time, try to plan what you're going to say on the video, write some notes or script.