Uploaded January 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In this video, I'm answering the question "What is a compressor?"
‘Compression’ was one of the scariest words ever when I stared making my own music. I knew I needed to use it, but I had no idea how! It’s very rarely taught in a clear manner with a straight forward visual demonstration, so that’s what I’ve tried to put together for you here.
Here are the key definitions:
Threshold is the volume that you set that you want the vocal (recording) to stay around, and once the vocal goes over this, it will be compressed.
Ratio controls how much that is compressed, e.g. 3:1
Attack time is the time taken for the compression to take effect, and is measured in milliseconds.
Release time is the time taken to stop compressing the signal when it comes back under the threshold
Make up gain is added volume that we apply in order to bring the quieter parts up, after bringing the loud parts down, making the volume more even overall.
Microphone Set Up and Recording - youtu.be/acbNMkcRGDw
Free e-book! ‘The 7 Key Elements Of Music Production’ , if you’re serious about learning this skill, make sure you grab this free extra resource which will boost your progress rapidly! Get it here: bit.ly/7keompbook
In this video, I'm answering the question "What is a compressor?"
‘Compression’ was one of the scariest words ever when I stared making my own music. I knew I needed to use it, but I had no idea how! It’s very rarely taught in a clear manner with a straight forward visual demonstration, so that’s what I’ve tried to put together for you here.
Here are the key definitions:
Threshold is the volume that you set that you want the vocal (recording) to stay around, and once the vocal goes over this, it will be compressed.
Ratio controls how much that is compressed, e.g. 3:1
Attack time is the time taken for the compression to take effect, and is measured in milliseconds.
Release time is the time taken to stop compressing the signal when it comes back under the threshold
Make up gain is added volume that we apply in order to bring the quieter parts up, after bringing the loud parts down, making the volume more even overall.
Microphone Set Up and Recording - youtu.be/acbNMkcRGDw
Free e-book! ‘The 7 Key Elements Of Music Production’ , if you’re serious about learning this skill, make sure you grab this free extra resource which will boost your progress rapidly! Get it here: bit.ly/7keompbook
