5 Compression Mistakes We All Make
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- Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
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Today, I am sharing 5 Compression Mistakes We All Make! From using the wrong attack or release time, to not truly knowing why we are compressing something, these are things we are all guilty of!
5. Using Too Fast an Attack Time
This is probably one you have heard before, and I think that is quite valid, because if you use an extremely fast attack time, you are going to mess with your transient, especially with a plugin compressor, which has faster attack times than any piece of hardware could ever do. With plugins, you have look-ahead compressors, which basically annihilate that transient immediately. In most cases, you don’t actually want to do that.
4. Too Slow of a Release Time
You want your release time to be fast enough that it gets out of the way of the next transient, but you don’t want it to be so fast that it’s not really working. On the acoustic guitar I have been working on, when I slowed down the release time too much, it wasn’t getting out of the way of the next big transient, and ended up totally annihilating it, which is not something we want to happen!
3. Compressing For The Sake Of It
Are you just opening up your compressor and putting on the track because you feel like you should, or because you actually need to? It is so important to listen to your sources and make sure you understand exactly where you actually need a compressor, and where you do not.
Compressors are not just about controlling volume and dynamics, they are also providing you with different sounds. So before you reach for your compressor ask yourself why you are using it and make sure you have a reason.
2. Using Presets
I have experimented with presets and I like them when I am starting to get to know a piece of equipment. However, using a preset does not guarantee you the perfect sound. The person who created that preset, no matter how great they are, has not heard your source, they do not know what you are going to be running through that compressor, or how it was recorded.
Presets can be great tools to use as a starting place, or to get ideas of things you could do, but ultimately, learning you compressor, understanding how attack and release work, how the threshold works, and how to apply them is going to be a thousand times better than any preset.
1. Using Compression
The compressor is a tool that we often reach for in this digital world. However, the compressor is not the be all end all, and there may actually be other tools that will get you even better results. for example, saturation can be a way to round off transients in your snare, and may actually give you a louder, fuller sound than you would have gotten if you had used a compressor to round off the transients instead.
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What are your favorite compression tips & tricks?
Tight blue jeans! Cheers Warren!!
presets are a good point to start
i like to kiss a mix with famous compressors, little to no gain reduction. massage attack and release time. increase ratio slightly and give myself a pat on the back. I like the swag behind certain compressors
Focusrite red compressor has an auto release button, love it.
All in buttons setting on 1176 for parallel compression
You spent years learning to be a Master at recording and mixing and producing and you are willing to share your wisdom and experience to teach others for free. God bless you!
Thank you ever so much my friend! That means a lot
God bless you man !! You teach for free! Word !
Have you ever made the mistake of tweaking attack/release times only to realize the compressor is bypassed? Asking for a friend. 😄
Of course Matt! I've watched every Mixer do it as well! Haha
...and you only notice after you've gone "yeah..... yeah.... I think that's better now".
😂😂 so many times
😂😂spending 5 mins staring at the metre, wondering why it's not moving 😂😂
Yep and either you sit there thinking, "that ain't doing shit, try compressing it to hell see what happens, still nothing!". Or alternatively , "a real improvement, that sitting right now". If stuff like happens it's normally indicates, for me at least, that I need to stop for a few moments recentre myself and get back to the present and paying attention. Sometimes harder said than done.
I am doing marvellously well, thank you.
I am also doing marvelously well, thanks.
😆 legend
That's truly marvellous Mark!!
@@RayAndre marvellous!!
@@Funkybassuk marvellous indeed!
Killer stuff, Warren!
Thanks! You Rock!!
Glenn, am i holding my mic right?
GLENNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!
18:30 "More bite on the top !"
Really not sure about this since the distortion sounds like it's cutting the highs above 2kHz ! :P
Keep it up! I am a Berklee student and I learn more actual stuff (like as in things that actually help me with my production) in your videos than some of the courses....
Thanks ever so much DJ!
A 20 minute video on other alternatives to compression (and/or eq) would be beneficial. Thanks!!
Marvellous idea Tim!!
I would watch that so fast!
I mentioned above, I’ll sometimes use a fast compressor to tame bright materials.
@@zachary963 wonderful! Thanks!
Produce Like A Pro yes! Mic techniques and choices to lessen the amount of eq needed to get the job done. I’m guessing that another thi they had to do in the 60’s-70’s because of lack of access to production goodies.
I def need to see that
When I'm helping interns learning how to mix, one task i give them is to mix a song without using EQ, or Reverb, and when I tell them to mix a song without using compression they often realize they really don't need compression on a lot of things, and often sounds better. Great video as always Warren
Fantastic Steven! Where do you teach? Thanks ever so much
@@Producelikeapro Just working with the interns I've had at our studio, Helping them learn - passing along what knowledge I have.
5. you can use fast attack to push back the sound.
slow attack(about 10~30ms) to pull forward.
4. you can use release to get the groove.
look at the dancing needle and hear the groove.
3. commonly we must use the compressor.
so, put it on all tracks but you should know what you want from.
2. load preset and adjust the threshold.
good? it's finished.
bad? try to adjust the attack.
still bad? try to adjust the release.
1. you should use compressor. or not, you can't get pro sound.
compressor can adjust the distance of sound and it's necessary.
so, it's needed always.
listen to hit song, is it stable? without compressor, you can't make that sound.
he wants you can hear the sound by ton of experiments.
Oh my God! This is gold! It took me a lot failures, ugly mixes and masters to realize I was making everything too ‘tweaked’. So I learned to listen to the song in the raw state before any tweak.
"its just the way my brain works, and tbh it works really really nicely" - 4:48 🤣🤣🤣
Great tips Warren!
In here with a message I needed to hear - not just blindly applying compression because "I'm supposed to"
Your tips about using two comps was life changing for me, I thought my songs sounded good but then I tried it and suddenly everything sounded clearer, more dynamic, more powerful... Especially useful on bass, kick, drum bus... But I tried it everywhere and it works every time! Only case I don't find it that useful is on a solo distorted guitar, but then it does wonders when used on a guitar bus with 2 or more guitar tracks! I almost completely stopped using limiters since I discovered that!
Great tip to use the limiter for peaks! 👍👏
You mention too fast an attack, what about for sidechain, where you need, for example, a bass, out the way of the kick?
Great advice all round. 👍
I often have a hard time deciding on the attack time, especially with track such as acoustic guitars - lots of transients but not as extreme as with drums. The way I try to approach it is to play a short section with a transient over and over, exaggerate the compression and just sweep the attack setting from shortes to longest until I find the setting where it kicks in just after the full transient. Still have a lot to learn
Loved the guitar overdrive to beef up the snare!
Fantastic!!
This is one of the BEST talks about compressors I have heard. These was so much we did with the tape, going though other pieces of gear to get the delay - all in a box now - that says it all. Fantastic video!!!
This is amazing, thank you very much, Warren!
Excellent stuff!
I would be curious to hear your opinion on use of compression in live sound versus the studio. I have always felt (no formal audio mixing education - mostly self taught) that in live sound you use compression much more heavily (within reason obviously) to make sure that everything is seated in the mix, while in the studio you have to be much more surgical because a recorded mix is so much more difficult in terms of retaining dynamics and excitement. Does this sound like it makes sense or have i just made something up to justify my love of compression 🤣
Thanks so much for sharing your experience
Warren is a diamond geezer!
Thanks Matt! I really appreciate it
Good stuff, as usual !
great video! just loved all the series!
Excellent useful info, thank you so much Warren.
Thank you Warren.
Thank you much!
Awesome info!
Invaluable advice! Thank you!
Your videos are so awesome!
Catch those peaks !!! Fantastic video, thank you for this great tips and good vibes ✌
Thank So much ! So helpful and so honest !
You're making my head spin, reminding me of all the little the things I learned as an intern 25 years ago sitting behind the producers and SSL400G+. I was very fortunate to be part of so many great sessions, learning. I'm just now really getting back into it and redeveloping my ears and skills in the digital realm. These videos are freaking priceless man. Thank you so much! Cheers from Seattle!
Very good point, your number one! Nice.
I learned a lot! Thanks mate!
Thank you for advice in the end, really opens my mind for clarity
Excellent observations. I’m feeling guilty of “grabbing “ for compression and over compressing but I am in recovery! Thank you for the boost! Great as always...
Thank you so much Warren for all of your wonderful tricks!
“I’m getting wise and I’m feeling so bohemian like you” 😜
Cheers Warren!
Great video, thank you for the information!
Super useful as always Warren! I've all done those haha!
Love your videos 👍🏻
Very useful video! Thanx a lot!
Thanks a ton Warren! You are such a legend for sharing your knowledge with the world.
Just a great tutorial. Thank you
I’ve been having trouble getting mixes that I like and it never even dawned on me why I put a compressor on things. I just thought it was the way to go. Thanks for this video. Gave me a better perspective as to how I approach mixing.
Amazing video👌🏾
Amazing video !
Very helpful! Few audio engineers on UA-cam get into the nuts and bolts with such technical clarity. Thanks!
YES! Thank you for this!
This channel not only has gaven me knowledge but also the ability to think more creatively around mixing! With DAWs you have all to your disposal to create lots of colours
Very useful tips Warren, thanks!
Thank you for this! Over the years, I've learned that compression is the greatest 'effect' to understand before adding effects.
I love the rear buss technique from Scheps. It is indeed something when it comes to recording heavier music.
Number 1 is definitely killer. I definitely find myself reaching for distortion and saturation before eqs and compressors. You just validated my notions. Thanks, Warren! You are the man.
Finally! Thank you for number 1!
Bruce Swedien on Pensado's Place: "Compression is for kids."
Glyn Johns uses an AKG C414 in figure 8 without any compression or limiting when recording bass.
I try to avoid using compression on just about everything, as much as possible.
Great vid! I struggled with release times in the past, but now I have a better understanding of how to use it with the attack
I absolutely LOVE your videos and insight. You are superb at explaining things and usually if I have a question about something in my mix or when it comes to capturing, You have a video for it. I’ve learned SO much from these videos. Such Gold.
Thank you so much again for this mentoring. I am mixing down an album that has taken me years and your compression, reverb and eq have answered questions about why it doesn’t sound right. Really appreciate it.
I often use compression on distorted guitars, even though technically already compressed. The reason being that with the proper release time it will allow the guitars to take up more sonic space in a good way. Although only 2 or 3 db of reduction going on
This is a great video!!
Just lovely!
Brilliant video!!! Thank you!
I'm going to revisit some of my mixes and look to playing around with overdrive more often.
I'm learning so much!
since the 60s? really? started at 2 years old? impressive. you look way younger than that to me. i see you are doing marvelously well.
Haha yes, I was a twinkle on my Dad’s eyes and producing albums haha
Warren, your the greatest, thanks so much for sharing .
Loved the distortion trick! . Wow I really liked where that sound was going compared to the compressor
Another amazing video Warren! Thank you ever so much for what you are doing! Much love from the land down under!
Hope you are doing well mate!
Love watching this channel, Warren, you’re so good!
Thanks ever so much!!
Excellent as ever.
Super useful content in this episode - I’m really thinking about compression in a way that I wouldn’t have before. Thanks so much! 😀
I recently got BreakTweaker, and the only option it really has for changing a drum hit sound is distortion. Suddenly I’ve been introduced to a world where distortion does all my work for me - EQ, compression, gain, everything, and it’s thoroughly amazing what kind of results a drive knob and a tone knob can get you
Loved the pedal example!! A video about compression alternatives would be great.
What great explanations...Thank you Warren!
Thanks ever so much Martin!
The most informative video on compression I've ever stumbled upon. Great lesson to make the use of compression sound more musical
I'm so glad I watched this to the end - just the best advice and demonstration of principle I've ever seen - thanks!
Thanks ever so much!!! You Rock
Thanks for this. It’s good to hear that we don’t ALWAYS need to reach for that fancy plugging with the sparky GUI and start twiddling
The point about adding a compressor to everything "just because". AMAZING tip! People easily fall into the habit of compressing everything and turning their mixes into loud sausages. Mix with your ears, friends.
I gotta say, as a long time mid 20s bedroom producer I feel so happy seeing and almost predicting some of the tweaks you do with the plugins in the videos. I'm not there yet, but I'm happy to have found someone really experienced doing it properly and I'm taking notes like a madman! Insta subscribed.
Woah just found my own comment from two years ago.
You're so clear explaining Warren, this is the best compression tutorial on youtube, thanks!
Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much Walter!
Excellent video, thank you for these compression insights
Lovely Video Asusual ❤️ Detailed Video Of Compression , Thank you so much 🙏
Always mega informative. Thank you Warren for another idea
Great tips for compression. Thanks for all you do Warren!!!
You’re very welcome Tom!!
Brilliant!
Great info.
I generally use compressors as “flavour boxes” with only mild, if any, gain reduction, unless of course I need to tame something. Sometimes just running a signal thru a comp adds a little something I like. Other times I do that with a tape sim. I’m still learning, which is why I love your videos, but to me it’s about what I like the sound of.
About all videos about compression I've seen even from you... This one goes basic and straight to the point
Thanks ever so much Isaac!!
Great tips! Sometimes I'm surprised after applying the equalization I find necessary, and I don't think about compressing some tracks. I get unsure, thinking I'm hearing badly, and I'm desperately looking for places to apply compression. Your video made me more relaxed...Thank you.
Thank you very much for these videos! They inspire me very much to keep on learning! I find you a great teacher :)
Best channel on UA-cam for musicians... Thank you kindly
It's crazy when i see that everything I learned on my own is being used by Warren. Awesome.
You're amazing, Warren! All of your stuff is very useful! Thank you!
Thanks ever so much!!
I can't thank you enough for what you do. Your videos are the BEST!
Thanks ever so much Shawn!
Great video to reset the mind of a mixer. I’m glad you mentioned stages and layering of harmonics/distortion. I often print digital recordings with subtle distortion plugins on the input. My favourite being sound toys decapitator or radiator with the mix at ~%25
I’ve been pushing the neve 1073 pres in the Unison stage of my UAD Apollo as I track. 300% less work mixing. I use compressors much more for color now, rather than dynamics.
Thanks, really useful getting back into recording, and previously I had not used compressors. now I know what to do I can make all the mistakes :)
Great video. Liked and subscribed
Dude! I love this video.
Thank you for your sound thoughts for us students.
ODR-1 I am a fan. You sold me when I heard you put vocals through it. Way cool
Thanks ever so much Buddy!
Great as usual !
Thanks ever so much David!
Really well put, thank you.
Thanks ever so much
Very interesting subject. Thank you. Stay safe and sound.
Fantastic, great to learn this, my favourite channel on youtube!