How to Use a Compressor: 10 Top Tips to Try TODAY | musicianonamission.com - Mix School #1
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- Опубліковано 3 лис 2015
- → Get compression right every time with this free cheat sheet: www.musicianonamission.com/st...
Two Techniques: 12:41
10 Top Compression Tips: 18:50
By the end of this video you will feel so much more comfortable with compression. This means better mixes!
First, the 5 key parameters are covered so the viewer knows how to use a compressor. These are ratio, threshold, attack time, release time and gain.
Next, two key approaches are outlined.
Finally, ten top tips are given to you properly compress your audio, music and sounds.
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Example music in DAW from Daniel Greenwood: / dangreenwoodmusic
Backing music: Backed Vibes (clean) - Kevin MaLeod (incompetech.com/wordpress/)
The song used in this video is Let it Rain by Daniel Greenwood (www.dangreenwoodmusic.co.uk)
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Compressors can be daunting.
I can remember the first time I used compression all those years ago…
I always resorted to the presets. I tampered with the settings, but had no idea what I was doing.
Ratio? What in the world is that?!
But there are only five key parameters that matter when it comes to compression.
Ratio, threshold, attack, release and gain.
Once you have an understanding of each of these settings, compressors become a lot less scary. They become valuable, controllable tools.
It takes years to master compression. Don’t even get me started on multi-band compression.
But it will only take a few minutes to understand how they work. And this will get you 80% of the way there.
Ratio
To understand ratio, we first need to understand what a compressor actually does.
The clue is in the name - it compresses the volume of audio (in layman’s terms).
When a sound gets too loud, the compressor kicks in and reduces the volume.
The ratio determines how much the volume is reduced by.
But at which point is the volume of the sound reduced? Is the whole track reduced?
No. Only when the sound hits the compressor threshold…
Threshold
This is the point that the compressor kicks in.
If we set the threshold to -24db, the compressor will not affect everything quieter than that.
BUT, as soon as the sound hits -24dB, the compressor will kick in and reduce the volume.
You can clearly see how threshold determines when the compressor kicks in, and then ratio determines how much the sound is compressed.
If you set the threshold too low, the audio will be compressed all of the time and sound unnatural. Sometimes this is desirable, but in most cases it isn’t.
We usually use a compressor to catch the louder peaks and make the track more consistent in volume. So we adjust the threshold until the compressor only kicks in when our recording hits those peaks.
On the other hand, if we set our threshold too high, the compressor won’t do anything at all!
Attack Time
We have our audio and our threshold is set to catch the loudest peaks.
But what happens when those peaks hit the compressor? Is the volume just instantly reduced?
Attack time is how quickly the compressor engages and reduces the volume of the audio.
If our attack is set to 10ms, and the audio rises above our threshold of -24db, it will take 10 milliseconds for the compressor to fully kick in.
Different attack times can make a HUGE difference.
And it all depends on the instrument that you’re compressing, the pace of the song, and hundreds of other factors.
But in general, go with a slow attack time. You should be nearer 40ms than 4ms.
With vocals, it works slightly differently. Slow attack sometimes sounds unnatural and odd (as does a very fast attack time). Stay around 2-10ms for vocals and voice.
Release Time
This is how long it takes the compressor to dis-engage.
It’s the exact opposite of attack.
Once the audio drops back below the threshold, this is how long it takes for the compressor to return the audio to its normal volume.
Release time is just as important as attack time.
You need to be careful - if the release time is too quick, the audio will sound very unnatural. If it’s too slow, the compressor never turns off!
The best way to adjust release time is tweak it until the audio feels right with the rhythm and tempo of the song.
There is no exact setting that suits every song or instrument. Use your ears, and trust them.
Gain
All of this compression and volume reduction can of course make the track sound quieter.
To compensate we use the ‘make-up gain’ or ‘output gain’ control to increase the volume of the audio coming out of the compressor.
A lot of compressors have an ‘auto-gain’ feature, but you should avoid this.
Instead, increase the gain until your level coming out is the same as your level going in. - Навчання та стиль
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People on UA-cam are not explaining like you did, you are the Best engineer so far
May God Bless you
Thank you
A note to those we will watch this video in later years: This tutorial was still effective and current eight years later. Love from Kenya!
By far the best explanation of compression anywhere, whether on the internet, a book or magazines. Brilliant. Thank you so much.
many explaining compression but this one was the perfect tutorial when it made click here.
Dear Lord, thank you for making this so easy to understand. Seriously!
The hard part of understanding compression is being able to generate a visual representation of very subtle, small signals. It is like studying microorganisms, where everything is almost imaginary until you get a microscope and you are finally being able to see the small creatures.
It would be very helpful to take everything into a bigger picture such as amplifying the time (ms x10) and graphing the amplitude or gain variation of a signal, and observing (in real time) as the signal slowly drops in gain with attack and slowly goes up with release.
There are plugins like the (M)exoscope (or oscilloscopes) that can help observe signals, but I haven't found any that are very accurate or that can clearly measure the very small details/variations.
It is probably a shock to you how long it's been since you made this video, But it's still really, really good and as a 74 year old rookie messing with Logic Pro X, I appreciate the clarity you give to the subject matter.
Thanks
I've been labouring long and hard for Many Years now to try and get my production skills to a higher level. I've been watching your tutorials regularly of late, and the penny has Finally Dropped! You present them so Succinctly, and in my case, idiot proof. You have clearly invested Much Time and Effort in your work. And the Least that I can do sir, is say Thank You...
THE best and definitive video on compression anywhere
Thanks Tim! :)
The MVP of Compression vids! The GOAT!!
@@masteringcom I noticed in your tool bar you have Reaper. What do you use that for?
Yeah, this was the one for me too. Thanks for this!
I’ve watched thousands of tutorial but for me, dis is da only true master who teaches wat people like me needs.
Thank u so much ur awesome 👏
Thanks for the info. Most of this info I knew but but it was still presented great so...👍🏾👍🏾 The stage I'm at now is understanding which type of compressors are used depending on material. Vca vs optical etc... Also I was surprised to recently discover that limiters are used as a final stage on buss aux's, like vocal buss instrument buss etc. thanks again and keep it coming 🙏🏾
another massively underated youtube channel...
I have been trying to understand compression for YEARS, and you finally put it in a way I can understand. Thank you!
This is probably the best video on compression I've watched. And I've watched plenty. You've earned a new suscriber, good sir.
Glad we could help!
This advice changed everything for me. My mix is night and day now. Thanks a billion
Woohoo!
dug your tutorial to 'glue' my concepts of compression into a more workable artform while producing inside my studio.....
Just starting in this mind blowing industry, I watched a load of video's and yours were the only one that made sense and its sunk in to my brain, at last a proper teacher,....... thank you for all your help
One of the most useful and informative videos i've ever seen on compressio, thank you so much!!
The best video on audio processing on youtube, and I've seen a few! Thanks!!!
Thank you! Finally found a simple explanation. Great format and pace to the video, it really helped me get it.
I also love your last advice! "If your mix sounds good, it is good". I so often get caught up in the visual and what I "should" be doing even though I love the sound
This is by far the best instructor on mixing and production . Really well explained and structured . My mixes improved so much after working with these videos I could barely believe it
Indeed, the best so far in UA-cam explaining the usage of compressor. the 39 minutes goes so quickly for i am actually learning things that are not only essential but unknown to me before. Thanks a million.
Glad we could help!
Great explanation that takes the mystery out of compression. A lot of info without a lot of fluff. Thanks!
You truly know what you're talking about, some of the best compression tips, thank you for that 🙏
Best ever description I've heard. Really helpful. Thanks Rob
Thank you so much Rob for explaining compression in such a simple and understandable way. Really appreciate it!!! Here are the top 10 compression tips in written form in case someone needs them:
1. Start with an attack time of 40 ms and a release time of 60 ms.
2. Start with an attack time of 6 ms on vocals.
3. You don't always need to use compression.
4. Lots of subtle changes soon add up.
5. Try compressing the bass and kick together.
6. Try parallel compression on a whole drum kit.
7. Try putting subtractive EQ before your compressor.
8. Stick to one compressor and learn it well.
9. Keep an eye on the gain reduction meter.
10. Match the output gain to the input level.
Bonus: Use a soft knee for a more natural sound.
🥰
Great lesson! Really explains what compression is and how to use it. Well done. Thanks!
thank you for sharing your experience. this is hugely appreciated
Can't wait to try it. Thanks a lot.
Finally after having years of confusing. I found out the best explanation of compression. Thank you very much Sir. you Subscribed, Done.
Excellent video. I appreciate your ability to take a complicated "scary" process and make it understandable. I look forward to your next video.
Really very helpful. Thank you so much for the compression tutorial.
Thank you Rob! That was very helpful. I have been struggling with compression for a long time and that made a big difference for me. Can't wait to practice and get even better at it.
Nice videos about homestudios mixing! Thanks! Dont stop it! 👍🏻
I've been trying to understand compressors for a long time, and this video cleared it up. Thanks!
Man, this is pure gold!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! You explained it so well. The tip on parallel compression and the "secret" layer under the drums is really helpful as well as the Cheat Sheets. I can´t even tell how much these videos and professional tips are helping me to achieve better mixes. I've learned a lot of things and also confirmed those I've been doing well. I'm a big fan of your channel.
So glad we could help!
Thanks so much I have never been taught about compression and never really understood what it dose and how it can help. You have helped me greatly and I do appreciate you doing this video. Thanks so much ChrisP
Great explanation! For the first time, I finally catch what exactly compressions do! I've been watching so many tutorials and only now I caught something I can understand & use. I am relieved. Thank You again MonaM & stay on the path. B)
I would like to note that Attack/Decay parameters are not only "active" when the threshold level is crossed. It's the response to increasing (attack) and decreasing (release) input levels, whenever the compressor is compressing. So f.e. if the input level increases from 4dB above the threshold to let's say 8dB above the threshold, the compressor reacts just as fast/slow as you have set with the attack time. Same for release...
Amazing! Great in depth, really enjoying your LOGIC PRO Master Course at the moment, really getting into the juicy bits I've been needing to break bad old habits.
Thank you for guiding me through my career as a MUSIC PRODUCER!!!
This is the best video explaining compression...thank u so much
great video. Thanks a lot!
Nice vid. I like this idea of using extreme settings to tweak the details.
Thanks man! Great content!
Great explanation - it actually makes sense!
Tons of thanks for detailed information and tips about compression. It was very very helpful. You are amazing.
Glad I could help, thanks for watching!
Thanks for all, your videos are fantastic, really helpfull !!!
You put words on my understanding and uses of a compressor. Thank you!
Our pleasure!
Thank so much for this.. Much love
Best mixing class ever.
Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for this video. Very informative.
REALLY REALLY AGAIN REALLY TY, FINALLY, MAYBE, IM STARTING (MAYBE lol) TO UNDERSTAND AFTER 1 YEAR ALMOST SOMETHING ABOUT COMPRESSION AFTER THIS TUTORIAL, REALLY THANK YOU CIAO !!
brilliant, thanks mate
What a great video. I thought I knew compression very well, at least in theory and then it turns out there was so much for me to learn, thanks to this beautifully explained video.
6 years later, it's still one of the best on the net. Kudos 😁
Thank you for your knowledge
This is a great video. Really well explained. 👏 Thank you.
Hi brother thanks a lot for your lesson really loved it.... Usefull video your a very good teacher thank you....
Thanks for the useful tips !
Great Explanation!
Video was a really informative video. Thanks!!
Thanks for your info!!! Most needed in my productions!!
so happy i found this channel, you´re helping me so much!!! THANK YOU SIR!
No problem Ricky!
Thank you very much. This is extremely helpful - as have all the training videos of yours I have watched. I love that you don't assume knowledge about anything in the viewer. I am learning Reaper - but nevertheless your videos are amazing! You are really helping my recordings.
Excellent tutorial. Many thanks.
Glad to help!
Thanks for sharing. Fantastic video. You are a good teacher.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed.
I knew i was missing some details. Coming to this video I only knew about threshold, ratio and purpose of compression. This video helped me especially with the envelope parameters as well as with the different methods to get the settings right. Thanks for the effort of putting this great tutorial/guide together. It's definitely the best one I could find. :)
+Magnum Great to hear!
Thanks, I learned a lot with this video 👍
Thanks for this video, bro
Hey man, I have a song called "Let it Rain" too. Mine, however, is a horribly mixed demo recorded on a BOSS 4 track just to make a video of stills for a UA-cam vid. Love your lamens terms" description to compression!!!
This is awesome!
So helpful, Thank you.
+Arian Behesht Nejd no problem!
Perfectly musical.Thank you.
Soo that's how you use Compression. Thank you! X A X
great stuff!! thanks heaps
Thanks for all the cool stuff + tips man, it's really awesome that you're willing to invest time and effort into small timers. Teaching really is one of the most useful things one can do for others, no matter the profession :)
In regards to this video specifically, I think that it was an awesome idea to introduce two approaches to using compression. This isn't my first video on compression, so I believe that most people miss this out. Sure, you need to know what compression is and the tools involved, but technique is also a necessary thing to master, too.
+James. Chu. No problem James, really glad to help :)
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Please if possible would you go over and explain other plugins such as EQ, LIMITER, REVERB.
Thank you again this was the best video with detail explanation I have ever watched.
The best compression tutorial I’ve seen.
Thank You!
Thank you! Very helpful!
Dj Nina Flowers faq
THANKS A LOT, it's clear and really weel explained, love you
Glad we could help!
The video was a great explanation, very thorough and understandable. However, it is difficult for me to apply the steps to achieve the desired decibels for the assignment. I'm using UAD plugins for the first time and I just really don't know what I'm doing yet, but I'm trying!! I will keep looking over my notes and keep giving cracks at it...
You didn’t have to say much before I knew I was going watch the whole of this video, your voice sounds natural, so many video’s have people teaching this and that in regards to recording, but there own video has poor sound quality. I am mixing tracks right now of my own singing, and now I understand compression! I mean I’ve been using it but I use presets, now I understand.
For your last tip, to remember it easier I could just explain Knee to myself as a sort of extension to the attack? Since attack can soften and round off a bit and the knee does something similar but before it hits the threshold?
Subscribed -- Amazing content my friend!
Really great content ...
I really enjoyed the video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hello From Israel: Yes, Very Very Very good Video... Thank you Sir!
13:10 for the good stuff 18:51
very well explained, thxs!!
Our pleasure!
great video
The parallel compression brings brightness to the drums
thank you so much brother
Good Stuff!!
This is a really good explanation of compression and your UK based 👍
Finally found something usefull , Thanks bro 🍻
At long last I think a lightbulb has finally gone off for me in the correct way to use compression. Thank you!!
I love this
Thanks🙏🏽
Firstly maybe this is the best comp. video ı have ever seen. Thank you so much. I have a questıon. I export my track about -6 db from mixing then what shoul be about the compression's threshold in mastering ? Really i need this information.