Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

Compression is a dark art, so it's time to think like a DSP programmer. In this video, we build a dynamics gate, look at the nature of amplitude and decibels, and then enter log space to make a tweakable compressor. Because in Bitwig, we can even build devices that lookahead into the future. 🔮🪵

Contents:
0:00 What is a compressor? And why?
3:07 A compressor uses one incoming signal as Audio, Control & Timing
4:43 First, let's build a "Gate" with linear thinking
5:53 Comparing signals with Logic processors, and the difference between instantaneous amplitude and averaged level
11:31 Decibels just fit our ears 👂
16:33 Adding a lookahead feature that can see the future (thank you, Time Shift)
22:06 It's Compressor time, so welcome to the Logarithmic domain
28:18 Now let's make the Ratio work
32:32 Time for some modifications, and why do we build? 🛠️
35:38 Twist: How about our gain reduction also triggered external audio FX?

Learn more about Bitwig Studio at bitwig.com

Follow Bitwig:
Instagram ➡️ instagram.com/bitwig
Facebook ➡️ facebook.com/bitwig
Twitter ➡️ twitter.com/Bitwig
TikTok ➡️ tiktok.com/@bitwig_official

#Bitwig #BitwigStudio #musicproduction #musicproducer