The Basics of Using Compression in Your Mix
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Compression is a tool that can have a huge impact on your mix. It’s one of the most important tools available to the modern music producer and engineer, but it’s still often misunderstood or misused. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of using compression in your mix, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get great results every time. Whether you’re just getting started with compression or you’re looking for a refresher course, read on to learn everything there is to know about getting the most out of this essential mixing tool.
What is compression?
Compression is a tool used to even out the loud and soft parts of a recording. It does this by reducing the dynamic range, or the difference between the loudest and softest parts. This makes the recording sound fuller and more consistent.
Compression can be used on individual tracks, like vocals or drums, or on the whole mix. When used on individual tracks, it’s important to be careful not to overdo it, as too much compression can make a track sound squashed and lifeless.
There are two main types of compression: optical and digital. Optical compressors use light to control the amount of signal that passes through them, while digital compressors use algorithms. Both types can achieve similar results, so it’s mostly a matter of preference which one you use.
Compressors have three main controls: threshold, ratio, and attack. The threshold is the level at which compression starts to occur. The ratio determines how much compression is applied – a higher ratio means more compression. And finally, attack controls how quickly the compressor responds to an incoming signal.
In general, you want to set your threshold so that only the peaks of the signal are being compressed, otherwise you’ll end up squashing everything down too much. A good rule of thumb is to set your attack time so that transients (sharp spikes in the signal) are preserved, but longer sustains are compressed. And finally, start with a
How does compression work?
Compression is a key tool in the audio engineer’s arsenal. By reducing the dynamic range of a signal, compression can even out the levels, allowing the engineer to raise the overall level of the track without clipping. Compression can also be used to add sustain to notes or to create a pumping effect.
When compressing audio, there are two key parameters that must be set: threshold and ratio. The threshold is the point at which compression will start to occur, and the ratio is the amount of compression applied once the signal exceeds the threshold. For example, a common setting for rock drums might be a threshold of -20 dB with a ratio of 4:1. This means that for every dB above -20 dB, the signal will be compressed by a factor of four.
In addition to threshold and ratio, most compressors also have controls for attack and release time. The attack time determines how quickly compression will kick in after the signal crosses the threshold, while release time determines how quickly it will return to its original level once it falls below the threshold again. Attack and release times are often expressed in milliseconds (ms).
Finally, most compressors also have a makeup gain control. This is used to compensate for any overall level loss caused by compression (known as “gain reduction”).
Types of compressors
There are four main types of compressors: peak, VCA, FET, and opto. Each has its own unique set of characteristics that make it more or less suited for different tasks.
Peak compressors are the fastest and most aggressive type of compressor. They’re typically used for shortening transients, like drums and percussive instruments.
VCA compressors are more versatile than peak compressors, and can be used for a wider range of tasks. They’re often used as general-purpose compressors, and are a good choice for vocals and other melodic instruments.
FET compressors are similar to VCA compressors, but with a slightly different sound. They’re often used on guitars and other strummed instruments.
Opto compressors are the slowest and most gentle type of compressor. They’re typically used for long sustains, like strings and pads.
When to use compression
Compression is a vital tool for shaping the sound of your mix, but it’s important to know when to use it. Here are some general guidelines:
- Use compression on tracks that have a lot of dynamic range, such as drums and vocals. This will even out the levels and prevent the track from sounding too loud or too quiet.
- Use compression on tracks that you want to bring forward in the mix. This can make the track sound fuller and more present.
- Use compression sparingly on tracks that already have a lot of low end, such as bass guitar or kick drum. Too much compression can make the track sound muddy.
- Avoid using compression on the entire mix at once. This can make the mix sound squashed and unnatural. Instead, focus on individual tracks and use only as much compression as needed to achieve the desired sound.
How to set up a compressor
Compressors are a key part of any mixing engineer’s toolkit, and knowing how to set them up is essential to getting the most out of them. Here are some tips on how to set up a compressor for your mix:
- Know what you want to achieve with compression. Are you trying to even out the levels of a track? Make a sound louder? Give a drum kit more punch? Whatever your goal, know it before you start adjusting settings.
- Start with the basics. Set the ratio, threshold, attack, release, and make-up gain according to what sounds best for your track.
- Listen for pumping and breathing. These are signs that your compressor is working too hard and might be overcompressing your track. Back off on the settings until these artifacts disappear.
- Use sidechain compression creatively. Sidechain compression can be used to duck the level of one sound in response to another sound (for example, ducking the level of a kick drum in response to the snare). This can add energy and excitement to your track by creating rhythmic pumping effects.
Common compression mistakes
When it comes to using compression in your mix, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be made. Here are four of the most common compression mistakes, and how to avoid them:
- Not knowing when to use compression – One of the most common mistakes is not knowing when to use compression. If you’re not sure when or why you should be using compression, then it’s best to avoid it altogether. Compression should only be used when it’s absolutely necessary, and not just for the sake of using it.
- Over-compressing your audio – Another common mistake is over-compressing your audio. This can result in your audio sounding flat and lifeless. Be careful not to overdo it with the compression, otherwise you risk ruining your audio.
- Not using enough gain reduction – When you’re compressing your audio, you need to make sure that you’re reducing the gain by a significant amount. If you don’t reduce the gain enough, then your audio will still sound too loud and unruly.
- Not monitoring your audio – Lastly, one of the most important things to do when compressing your audio is to monitor it constantly. This way, you can catch any problems early on and fix them before they become too big an issue.
Conclusion
Compression is an incredibly powerful tool that can make all the difference in your mix. With careful use of compression, you can shape and sculpt the sound to create a more cohesive mix that stands out from the crowd. We hope this article has helped you understand how compressors work and how they can be used to enhance your mixes. If you’re looking for more tips, check out our other comprehensive articles or subscribe to our newsletter for even more mixing advice!
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Kevin James has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in various facets. He has worked as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, on-air radio personality, background actor and film director. Kevin is a Member of the National Writer's Union.