1134 LEARN · 2 MIN READ

Understand the envelope

Use dynamics to shape the movement of a performance.

What a compressor responds to

A compressor reduces gain according to its detector and settings. The threshold establishes a reference for when compression begins; the ratio influences how strongly levels above that region are controlled. With a hard knee, a 4:1 ratio means that an input increase of 4 dB above threshold corresponds ideally to an output increase of 1 dB. Real behaviour also depends on timing, knee and detector design.

Attack and release are musical choices

Attack controls how quickly gain reduction develops. A slower attack can preserve more of an initial hit; a faster attack may restrain it. Release controls recovery. Listen for the way the sound reconnects with the next note. Too much reduction or unsuitable timing can flatten a performance, expose background noise or make the level pump. The numbers on two different compressors need not describe identical behaviour.

Separate control from volume

Output or makeup gain can make a compressed signal seem more impressive simply by raising its level. Adjust the comparison so that you can hear changes in movement, sustain and articulation. Watch the gain-reduction meter to understand the process, but let the performance decide the amount. A steady meter is not a musical objective.

Try it in a session

Loop a passage containing both soft and strong notes. Begin with gentle reduction. Change attack while listening to the front of each note, then change release while listening between notes. Compare with bypass at a similar perceived level. If the unprocessed performance already works, leaving it alone is a valid decision.