Compression basics
- 1. Compression A compressor is a device for automatically controlling the level of an audio signal
- 2. Compression The use of compressors can make recordings sound more polished by controlling maximum levels and maintaining higher average loudness.
- 3. Compression Additionally, many compressors will have a signature sound that can be used to add coloration and tone into otherwise lifeless tracks.
- 4. Compression If a ratio of 2:1 is set, an input signal exceeding the threshold by 2dB will be output with a level of only 1dB over the threshold It 'turns down' the audio when the level exceeds a threshold set by the user
- 5. Compression To make the effect of compression smooth and natural- sounding, compressors often allow attack and release time parameters to be set by the user attack release The output control is used to restore the peak level of the compressed signal to that of the uncompressed input signal
- 6. Valve Compression Valve (or Tube) compressors have a slower response than other forms of compression. Because of this, they have a "vintage" sound that is nearly impossible to achieve with other compressor types.
- 7. Optical Compression Optical compressors affect the dynamics of an audio signal through a light element and an optical cell.As the volume of an audio signal increases, the light element emits more light, which causes the optical cell to lower the volume of the output signal.
- 8. FET Compression FET or “Field Effect Transistor” compressors emulate the tube sound with transistor circuits.
- 9. VCA Compression VCA or "Voltage Controlled Amplifier” compressors use solid state circuits.They are usually cheaper than tube or optical compressors.VCA's also tend to have less "colour" compared to optical or tube compressors— similar to digital vs. analog tape comparison in recording.
- 10. Noise Gates A noise gate mutes the signal when it falls below a certain threshold the rate or release time determines how slowly the gate re-opens