You can use the output gain to make-up for the attenuation done by the compressor. These compression ratios are expressed in decibels, so that a ratio of 2:1 indicates that a signal exceeding the threshold by 2 dB will be attenuated down to 1 dB above the threshold, or a signal exceeding the threshold by 8 dB will be attenuated down to 4 dB above it, etc. These can also sometimes be referenced as slopes in dB per second instead of times.Ī ratio of 1:1 (one to one) is the lowest and it represents unity gain, or in other words, no attenuation. Release times will be considerably longer than attack times, generally ranging anywhere from 40-60 ms to 2-5 seconds, depending on which unit youre working with. More specifically, it is the time it takes for the signal to go from the compressed or attenuated state back to the original non-compressed signal. If a cycle at 100 Hz lasts 10 ms, then a 1 ms attack time will have time to alter the waveform, which will generate distortion.). Some compressors will even allow you to control the selection of any position between the two types of knees.Īs you can see in the diagram, a soft knee allows for a smoother and more gradual compression than a hard knee.įaster attack times are usually between 20 and 800 us (microseconds) depending on the type and brand of unit, while slower times generally range from 10 to 100 ms (milliseconds).įast attack times may create distortion by modifying inherently slow-moving low frequency waveforms (Ex. Typically, compressors will offer one, or in some instances a switchable choice between both, a soft knee and a hard knee setting. If the threshold level is set at say -10 dB, only signal peaks that extend above that level will be compressed. Only when a level passes above the threshold will it be compressed. Your compressor may or may not include all of them, but understanding what each one does will allow you to work comfortably with a wide range of compressors. Having a good grasp of the basics will go a long way toward understanding how compression works, and confidently using it to your advantage. Additionally, many compressors both hardware and software will have a signature sound that can be used to inject wonderful coloration and tone into otherwise lifeless tracks.
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