Great video Sean! With the attack time - rather than it "taking 53 ms for the compressor to start working" it would be more accurate to say that it starts working immediately - but will take 53 ms to reach the maximum compression you have set in the ratio.
Yes, I was going to mention this too. Makes no difference in practice, really but it's worth knowing that some compression is happening well before you reach the threshold.
Actually explaining each component finally got compression to click for me. Such a helpful walkthrough. Went back and edited a bunch of old vocals I had given up on! Other tutorials are just going through an example and a compression sequence that only works best for their sample. It never worked for me, but this made me finally get it. Thank you for taking the time to make this!
First ever video explaining clearly without any confusing tech crap what the knob controls do. THANKS! I have Logic and these same functions. I also will check out your channel and hopefully you just work with Logic DAW. PS I hate RAP but that song was VERY cool! Would love to hear the whole song if is not loaded with bitch this and bitch dat or pop pop dat nigga?!?!
vintage opto ftw, versatile for velvet smooth vocals for ballads or singer/songwriter. for hip hop or metal/rock, the fet or 1177 all the way for sure, and on percussion too
Finally got a clear picture on how compression for signal types works. Been meaning to go through the video tutorial, and yes as usual helpful indeed. By the compliments for the new season and New Year Sean...
Hey! this video was great, thanks for it. Just wanted to ask, if these compressors are so good, why would one bother getting other ones plugins from Waves, etc. when this can give you so many different colors?
these are excellent stock compressors (my favorite by far)... that said, there are many third party comps that have a lot to offer in terms of sound, the Waves being amongst them. It's really just about having different sonic palettes to choose from. And for those who can't afford third party plugins, don't worry - these can still get the job done well :)
Great video as always! Just a clarification: compressors start compressing immediately and they reach their maximum level of compression at the threshold. I know sometimes we need to simplify things but this is an important aspect that is overlooked most times… Sorry for the broken English, keep up the good work
Top notch! I wish I had seen this earlier. The only thing that would interest me: what effect does the youTube codec compression have on the audio of this tutorial? I can easily hear the color and grit with the different compressor types, but not sure about that...
The difference in terms of sonics is marginal, at best. It will simply reduce the gain to hit the loudness standard. The compression and anything else doesn’t fundamentally change in any noticeable way.
Thanks for the vid. I have a better understanding of how to use compression (I hope). But I have a few questions as I'm coming at this with no knowledge of compressors. 1.) What are the consequences of going to the extremes for all of these settings? what happens if the release is too short or too long? Or the attack? How will I know if the settings are too extreme? 2.)Why is there an output gain setting? Thought the makeup gain control was supposed to handle all that? 3.) Come to think of it, why is a limiter needed if the compressor's job is to limit the volume of the signal. 4.) Why would someone want to add distortion to their signal? Thought you wanted to make sure you didn't clip? 5.) With the Mix option, if you mix in dry signal doesn't that mean that you're mixing in a copy of the uncompressed version of the sound? Or are you mixing in volume of the dry sound? I don't really know what i'm asking with this one. 6.) What do the 0 db and -12 dB options mean next to auto-gain? That the plugin will add or decrease gain until the signal reaches 0 db or -12 db respectively?
When and why is compression used? Should compression be applied to any sonic element you want to stand out? and does it makes sense to put a compressor on the overall output track?
BlazyOfficialHardcore I'm not Sean by any stretch, but most engineers say they don't solo when compressing because the vocal only matters within the context of the mix. A solo compressed vocal could sound great, but then sound terrible once u play it w/ the music.
Hi Sean. I really like the quality of your productions. My mixes translate pretty ok but I still find I have issues with mixing my kick drum sounds. I use a Focal solo 6 and Mackie mr8 in a semi treated room. Do you think I should focus on more treatment or get a better 8" monitor? Thanks1
if you have no treatment, I'd suggest you start minimizing reflections / low frequency build up before buying bigger monitors. That said, once you move to an 8 inch monitor it will definitely help judging the low end!
Oh I do have treatment and thanks for responding Sean. I agree to focus on treatment some more and tighten up my room even though its costly and I can use the money instead towards a barefoot footprint 01. I also intend to get a room measurement mic for the new year to measure my room and treat accordingly. Thanks sir!
@@riktascale4 buying a sub in addition to current monitors could be a big help too. and referencing on as many diff playback systems as you have, including headphones, laptop speakers etc.
I downloaded some presets linked to from here. www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24264 It's German but you can see the SSL 4000G Mixbus zip file if you scroll down. I tend to use the 4:1 0.1ms preset for the stuff I mix. As I say, just a touch of compression until you find the sweet spot, as they say. Also worth a try is the Logic Focusrite Red emulation set to 1:1.5, attack to 11 o;clock which I read is a Chris Lord Alge favourite. HTH
Just curious, I was told that the needle on the compressor should never go over -3 on the meter. Your needle was flying to -20 in some instances. What would the purpose be for keeping the needle under -3?
there are no rules :) every situation is different - some tracks sound great slammed with 10+ db of compression...others you might just kiss the needle. use your ears :)
Ok im a 68 year old rocker, been in studios but im super green about everything. For instance you said this compressor was for the whole mix not individual tracks. Just wondering how that works with the whole mix. I dont know anything about rap music im mainly into eagles, pink ploys, and all those great classic rockers of the 60s 70s and some early 80s. I guess i would probably be compressing individual vocals, i use a line 6 pod hd pro x and recently i bought the line 6 helix native which is a plug in mainly for guitar but it has such a huge collection of modeled plug ins that can be used on anything / everything. So for instance ive got a patch im using in helix and im compressing the guitar im not sure id want to do it again, idk like i said i know my guitar stuff and basic recording, but youre like the age of my son and you really know your shit. Did you go to college for this or just learn on your own. The music you played is so different than what im used to, there’s so much electronic stuff in it. Not critiquing im guessing there’s a different pattern of thought. Anyway thanks for the video it helped me a lot with the Logic Pro x. That’s an amazing software. Before i was into apple i had pc and i purchased cakewalk before it got sold to band lab and became free. You know i spent thousands on that software. It’s kind of deflating. So im just sticking with logic. I just purchased a Tascam model 12 to use as a audio interface and control surface. It’s also a very good stand alone but i dont know how id use helix native which is a plug in. I’d feel bad if i paid the full 600 but i bought it on ebay from a guy who thought it was broke and sold it that way. On his photos i saw the us working so i figured its more complex than an old tape recorder. He couldent het the tracks to move because it requires you to create a song plus put ab d’s card in. So i paid 240 bucks for a brand new model 12. I love the fact i just learned how to use multiple audio interfaces through the apple software. Augmented i believe its called. Ive got 16 in and 18 out using my old 2 plus 2 Berlinger plus the model 12 plus the guitar modeler. Great software. Anyway thanks again.
This is in the context of a vocal chain (individual lead vocal). I didn’t go to a formal school for music, have worked in studios all over the world! Have been doing this professionally for over 15 years now, but there’s always more to learn :) I have a free vocal tracking template on my website that is not genre specific. The approach for just about any style is going to have the essential building blocks i.e. compression, eq, deessing, reverb, etc. That might be a good starting point. Appreciate the feedback, all the best on your Logic journey and hope to see you again on the channel.
On a mix bus the most used compressor is the SSL G Bus Compressor. On the stock ones the equivalent is the Vintage VCA. Another very good compressor is the 1176 FET style, it's the Studio FET in the stock ones
it depends on the sound you're going for, typically I use one compressor to keep the dynamics consistent and any additional ones for subtle saturation / color ua-cam.com/video/VbVUm1QHBSk/v-deo.html
you could and I do occasionally, just depends on what's needed! you might use the standard compressor as a more subtle "glue" and then the multiband to more aggressively tame problematic frequencies
@@SeanDivine awesome. Good to know thats not a No No or unnecessary. I would usually do compressor on tracks and the multi on the master. Thanks for responding! Dig that John Gee beat by the way.
Would the SSL style one be good for a drum buss ? I typically do sampled beats and I've got a beat tape I'm working on. I mix all in FL Studio but I'm gonna move my stems into Logic to use the higher quality compressors . I need more of a "glued together" sound of my mix/master . I thought I'd use one compressor for my drum buss and then a different one for my samples then one on the master . If someone could break Down which ones would he best for each? I understand how compressors work very well.
I think the worst plugins in Logic are the chorusing effects. They color the mix so much! Adding a chorus to a guitar or a vocal ends up totally changing the tone... it’s frustrating! Thanks for the video. Using stock plugins are all I’m about, if at all possible
Hi, Sean! I am making and EDM track, but I have no clue on how to use it, (although I knew some about it, but not a lot). Do I need to compress every track I had on my projects? I just needed my project to sound cohesive, punchy, and balanced at the same time. Let me know what you think. Thanks, Ivan.
hi Ivan, in short, no you would not want to compress every track. The attributes you're describing are achieved mostly through the mixing process - creating balance, using EQ and compression (when appropriate) will help you achieve that. Overusing compression usually leads to a flat, dull mix that lacks punch and dynamics.
Yeah thats what Im thinking..do you have wave compressors with logic ? I hear there are hard to install , also they can get pricey do you know of any free downloads?
Sixfoursoul bro when you create a new instrument track and you go to the plug-in section, pressing the “i” key, you go to the stock compressor in logic. They are all really good emulations of the waves compressors who are emulations of the real studio ones. Even Billie Eilish’s producer uses them, the stock ones
@@miguelampudia3808 So Im confused, what did you mean about him getting the wave compressors, everyone seems to like those alot. but if Fineness uses stock logic ones I guess thats good enough for me !
Great video Sean! With the attack time - rather than it "taking 53 ms for the compressor to start working" it would be more accurate to say that it starts working immediately - but will take 53 ms to reach the maximum compression you have set in the ratio.
Yes, I was going to mention this too. Makes no difference in practice, really but it's worth knowing that some compression is happening well before you reach the threshold.
Actually explaining each component finally got compression to click for me. Such a helpful walkthrough. Went back and edited a bunch of old vocals I had given up on! Other tutorials are just going through an example and a compression sequence that only works best for their sample. It never worked for me, but this made me finally get it. Thank you for taking the time to make this!
glad it helped, Dylan :)
Yes. Logic Pro compressors are really good features. Honestly, usually no need more when we fully use the possibilities of exiting one !
Hey Sean, this has been one of the more informative compression videos I've seen, and I thank you for it!
🙌 glad it helped Kevin!
First ever video explaining clearly without any confusing tech crap what the knob controls do. THANKS! I have Logic and these same functions. I also will check out your channel and hopefully you just work with Logic DAW. PS I hate RAP but that song was VERY cool! Would love to hear the whole song if is not loaded with bitch this and bitch dat or pop pop dat nigga?!?!
you teaching me a lot bro I thought I knew somethings gotta change the way I mix now 🤧
🙌
It's 2021 and this info is excellent👍
Thanks for the clarity.You have a great voice too !
vintage opto ftw, versatile for velvet smooth vocals for ballads or singer/songwriter. for hip hop or metal/rock, the fet or 1177 all the way for sure, and on percussion too
Classic VCA on this vocal sounds clean
that accent is strong ma-man! props! lived in Delco for 10 yrs. i imagine u aint too far from there. also, great vid. immensely helpful.
Great video! I'm not new to compression, but new to logic and this is a great demo of the plug! Also - love that track man! Kudos
One of the best tutorials I've seen on the topic! Good stuff!
Salute to you this morning from the Bay Area thank you for sharing I'll be watching more
Your intro sting? It's so good! And then your tutorial? Even better! super crystal clear
thanks!
This has just helped me a whole bunch with my uni work :) cheers
Great video!
This is great. I know how to make beats but I am trying to learn more on the stuff you are explaining in this video. You made it very easy. Thank you.
Finally got a clear picture on how compression for signal types works. Been meaning to go through the video tutorial, and yes as usual helpful indeed. By the compliments for the new season and New Year Sean...
Happy New Year!
This is the best compression tutorial out there!! Hats off
thanks, glad it helped!
Great video/ Really sorted me out on the compressors. Thanks!
Thank you for this 🍻
Sir, you are such a good teacher. Thanks a lot mate!
Many thanks, glad it helped!
you the man Sean woot! woot!
🙌
Well done, Sean!
Great video. THANK YOU for sharing.
Hey! this video was great, thanks for it. Just wanted to ask, if these compressors are so good, why would one bother getting other ones plugins from Waves, etc. when this can give you so many different colors?
these are excellent stock compressors (my favorite by far)... that said, there are many third party comps that have a lot to offer in terms of sound, the Waves being amongst them. It's really just about having different sonic palettes to choose from. And for those who can't afford third party plugins, don't worry - these can still get the job done well :)
Thanks dude, really great explainer!
Learn something new every video.
omg it’s so helpful thx a lot bro
You taught me a lot bro thank you for your input and knowledge.
🙌
Great video as always! Just a clarification: compressors start compressing immediately and they reach their maximum level of compression at the threshold. I know sometimes we need to simplify things but this is an important aspect that is overlooked most times… Sorry for the broken English, keep up the good work
Top notch! I wish I had seen this earlier. The only thing that would interest me: what effect does the youTube codec compression have on the audio of this tutorial? I can easily hear the color and grit with the different compressor types, but not sure about that...
The difference in terms of sonics is marginal, at best. It will simply reduce the gain to hit the loudness standard. The compression and anything else doesn’t fundamentally change in any noticeable way.
@@SeanDivine Thanks! And keep up the awesome work!
thank you so much for your time . i absolutely enjoy some of your tutorials that i learn.
Great explanation, thank you
That song is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Dope shit !!
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Nice video!! Efficent and precise
🙏🙌
super helpful thanks for making this man!
I’m just trying to figure out how to make my vocals as clean as possible do you have any other videos where you go through the whole process?
lots of vocal mixing videos on the channel :)
Thanks for the vid. I have a better understanding of how to use compression (I hope). But I have a few questions as I'm coming at this with no knowledge of compressors.
1.) What are the consequences of going to the extremes for all of these settings? what happens if the release is too short or too long? Or the attack? How will I know if the settings are too extreme?
2.)Why is there an output gain setting? Thought the makeup gain control was supposed to handle all that?
3.) Come to think of it, why is a limiter needed if the compressor's job is to limit the volume of the signal.
4.) Why would someone want to add distortion to their signal? Thought you wanted to make sure you didn't clip?
5.) With the Mix option, if you mix in dry signal doesn't that mean that you're mixing in a copy of the uncompressed version of the sound? Or are you mixing in volume of the dry sound? I don't really know what i'm asking with this one.
6.) What do the 0 db and -12 dB options mean next to auto-gain? That the plugin will add or decrease gain until the signal reaches 0 db or -12 db respectively?
Great explanation
Loved the video man thank you! It helped a lot!
do one on eq
When and why is compression used? Should compression be applied to any sonic element you want to stand out? and does it makes sense to put a compressor on the overall output track?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for the great content
ua-cam.com/video/lIMVB75WafY/v-deo.html
I’d be lost if it wasn’t for this video! Thank you for the video
🙌
Great tutorial !!
thanks sean! great video love the facts
Glad it was helpful!
for travis scott type vocals or rap vocals, would you recommend stacking studio fet and vintage vca compressors?
Great vid. Thx for the help!
Glad it helped!
I really appreciate the video man. You explained a lot so well
Glad it helped!
Excellent explanation. My only problem, I don't hear a difference between the models :(
Good vid but I still have no idea how to use them. How do you determine the threshold, ratio, attack, release values?
Helpful video, thanks. Which compressor would you recommend for a cappella vocals?
hey Luke, checkout the studio vca, studio fet and vintage fet. I use them for broadcast / acapella style vocals with good results
EXCELLENT!!!!
Dumb question ,but why would you not solo out the vocal and the scroll thru the differences
BlazyOfficialHardcore
I'm not Sean by any stretch, but most engineers say they don't solo when compressing because the vocal only matters within the context of the mix.
A solo compressed vocal could sound great, but then sound terrible once u play it w/ the music.
Hi Sean. I really like the quality of your productions. My mixes translate pretty ok but I still find I have issues with mixing my kick drum sounds. I use a Focal solo 6 and Mackie mr8 in a semi treated room. Do you think I should focus on more treatment or get a better 8" monitor? Thanks1
if you have no treatment, I'd suggest you start minimizing reflections / low frequency build up before buying bigger monitors. That said, once you move to an 8 inch monitor it will definitely help judging the low end!
Oh I do have treatment and thanks for responding Sean. I agree to focus on treatment some more and tighten up my room even though its costly and I can use the money instead towards a barefoot footprint 01. I also intend to get a room measurement mic for the new year to measure my room and treat accordingly. Thanks sir!
@@riktascale4 buying a sub in addition to current monitors could be a big help too. and referencing on as many diff playback systems as you have, including headphones, laptop speakers etc.
I want each type of compressor is suitable for
Hey Sean which one is best for the master bus. ( glue the track together )
Vintage Opto (mixed in subtly) is nice on the stereo bus!
Thanks Bro
I use the Vintage VCA with settings emulating the SSL MIx Buss compressor. Just two or three dBs gain reduction is generally just the job.
Thanks, what settings?
I downloaded some presets linked to from here. www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24264 It's German but you can see the SSL 4000G Mixbus zip file if you scroll down. I tend to use the 4:1 0.1ms preset for the stuff I mix. As I say, just a touch of compression until you find the sweet spot, as they say. Also worth a try is the Logic Focusrite Red emulation set to 1:1.5, attack to 11 o;clock which I read is a Chris Lord Alge favourite. HTH
You are the GOAT!
🙏
Hey Sean what are two good logic stock compressors to stack with eachother in a chain?
Thank you
Thank you so much, Sean!
sure thing!
What compressor type would be best for a drum buss ?
personally, I would go with the Vintage VCA (SSL)!
Just curious, I was told that the needle on the compressor should never go over -3 on the meter. Your needle was flying to -20 in some instances. What would the purpose be for keeping the needle under -3?
there are no rules :) every situation is different - some tracks sound great slammed with 10+ db of compression...others you might just kiss the needle. use your ears :)
The songs a jam
Thanks for the video man! And by the way thank you for the email :)
sure thing :)
great video
🙏
Ok im a 68 year old rocker, been in studios but im super green about everything. For instance you said this compressor was for the whole mix not individual tracks. Just wondering how that works with the whole mix. I dont know anything about rap music im mainly into eagles, pink ploys, and all those great classic rockers of the 60s 70s and some early 80s. I guess i would probably be compressing individual vocals, i use a line 6 pod hd pro x and recently i bought the line 6 helix native which is a plug in mainly for guitar but it has such a huge collection of modeled plug ins that can be used on anything / everything. So for instance ive got a patch im using in helix and im compressing the guitar im not sure id want to do it again, idk like i said i know my guitar stuff and basic recording, but youre like the age of my son and you really know your shit. Did you go to college for this or just learn on your own. The music you played is so different than what im used to, there’s so much electronic stuff in it. Not critiquing im guessing there’s a different pattern of thought. Anyway thanks for the video it helped me a lot with the Logic Pro x. That’s an amazing software. Before i was into apple i had pc and i purchased cakewalk before it got sold to band lab and became free. You know i spent thousands on that software. It’s kind of deflating. So im just sticking with logic. I just purchased a Tascam model 12 to use as a audio interface and control surface. It’s also a very good stand alone but i dont know how id use helix native which is a plug in. I’d feel bad if i paid the full 600 but i bought it on ebay from a guy who thought it was broke and sold it that way. On his photos i saw the us working so i figured its more complex than an old tape recorder. He couldent het the tracks to move because it requires you to create a song plus put ab d’s card in. So i paid 240 bucks for a brand new model 12. I love the fact i just learned how to use multiple audio interfaces through the apple software. Augmented i believe its called. Ive got 16 in and 18 out using my old 2 plus 2 Berlinger plus the model 12 plus the guitar modeler. Great software. Anyway thanks again.
This is in the context of a vocal chain (individual lead vocal). I didn’t go to a formal school for music, have worked in studios all over the world! Have been doing this professionally for over 15 years now, but there’s always more to learn :) I have a free vocal tracking template on my website that is not genre specific. The approach for just about any style is going to have the essential building blocks i.e. compression, eq, deessing, reverb, etc. That might be a good starting point. Appreciate the feedback, all the best on your Logic journey and hope to see you again on the channel.
great video as always
which of these would be most similar to a c1 compressor from waves?
thank you!!
sure thing!
Hi Sean, which of these would you go you first for mix bus compression? I’ve been using the studio FET.
On a mix bus the most used compressor is the SSL G Bus Compressor. On the stock ones the equivalent is the Vintage VCA. Another very good compressor is the 1176 FET style, it's the Studio FET in the stock ones
How can I find that compressor? I've got a much smaller and simpler one! I've got Logic ProX 10.0.7
update logic
Recording at home, how many of these stock compressors would I put on a vocal chain for a clean mix ? 1 or 2?
it depends on the sound you're going for, typically I use one compressor to keep the dynamics consistent and any additional ones for subtle saturation / color ua-cam.com/video/VbVUm1QHBSk/v-deo.html
Would you ever use these AND then use a multi band together?
you could and I do occasionally, just depends on what's needed! you might use the standard compressor as a more subtle "glue" and then the multiband to more aggressively tame problematic frequencies
@@SeanDivine awesome. Good to know thats not a No No or unnecessary. I would usually do compressor on tracks and the multi on the master. Thanks for responding! Dig that John Gee beat by the way.
So I should use studio VCA if I’m using a Focusrite interface?
Nope, this has nothing to do with each other.
Would the SSL style one be good for a drum buss ? I typically do sampled beats and I've got a beat tape I'm working on. I mix all in FL Studio but I'm gonna move my stems into Logic to use the higher quality compressors . I need more of a "glued together" sound of my mix/master . I thought I'd use one compressor for my drum buss and then a different one for my samples then one on the master . If someone could break Down which ones would he best for each? I understand how compressors work very well.
SSL for drum bus, Vintage Opto for master :)
Go for the SSL style Vintage VCA in the stock one or The Glue from Cytomic or Plugin Alliance SSL 4000 G
I think the worst plugins in Logic are the chorusing effects. They color the mix so much! Adding a chorus to a guitar or a vocal ends up totally changing the tone... it’s frustrating!
Thanks for the video. Using stock plugins are all I’m about, if at all possible
I agree, not a big fan of those either!
When I open a compressor I don’t get the same view you have. I get the basic view and can’t see the same meter you can. Can you help?
update logic from the app store
For some reason when I turn on the limiter in the compressor it distorts and clips like hell
Thank you. helped a lot
🙌
Hi, Sean! I am making and EDM track, but I have no clue on how to use it, (although I knew some about it, but not a lot). Do I need to compress every track I had on my projects? I just needed my project to sound cohesive, punchy, and balanced at the same time. Let me know what you think. Thanks, Ivan.
hi Ivan, in short, no you would not want to compress every track. The attributes you're describing are achieved mostly through the mixing process - creating balance, using EQ and compression (when appropriate) will help you achieve that. Overusing compression usually leads to a flat, dull mix that lacks punch and dynamics.
you amazing
🙏
Whats the song that you used for this video?
Dav Gee ua-cam.com/video/aipZjm29WY0/v-deo.html
I hear a huge difference between them.
Imagine a guy just getting the waves compressors and realizing everything was already there
So sad hahahaha
Yeah thats what Im thinking..do you have wave compressors with logic ? I hear there are hard to install , also they can get pricey do you know of any
free downloads?
Sixfoursoul bro when you create a new instrument track and you go to the plug-in section, pressing the “i” key, you go to the stock compressor in logic. They are all really good emulations of the waves compressors who are emulations of the real studio ones. Even Billie Eilish’s producer uses them, the stock ones
@@miguelampudia3808 So Im confused, what did you mean about him getting the wave compressors, everyone seems to like those alot. but if Fineness uses stock logic ones I guess thats good enough for me !
you could emulate the sound of each compressor with the real one
Am I the only one who doesn't really hear clear differences between all the compressors? Or are my mix ears just really underdeveloped lol?
compression can seem subtle at first... give it time :)
@@SeanDivine I'l keep working at it, thanks for all your videos btw, huge fan here!
Logic Sh**s on Cubase
F
Great explanation
🙌🙏