How To Use A Compressor | Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release & More

What is a compressor and how do you properly use one? In this video, you'll learn what each setting on a compressor does, including threshold, ratio, makeup gain, attack, release, hold and knee.
Instrument Frequency Guide (Free Download): audiouniversityonline.com/ins...
EQ User Guide (Free Download): audiouniversityonline.com/eq-...
Ear Training Guide (Free Download): audiouniversityonline.com/ear...
Full Post (Audio University Website): audiouniversityonline.com/com...
Fabfilter Pro-C 2 Compressor Plugin
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/x93qYx
Fabfilter Pro Bundle
- Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/BXJ9q0
Download the free Audio University Ear Training Guide here: audiouniversityonline.com/ear...
0:00 - What Is Compression?
0:31 - How To Use A Compressor
1:09 - Threshold
1:27 - Ratio
2:00 - Gain Reduction
3:37 - Makeup Gain
4:18 - Attack
5:06 - Release
5:26 - Hold
5:45 - Knee
6:13 - Wet / Dry
6:41 - Subscribe To Audio University!
Book a one to one call:
audiouniversityonline.com/one...
Website: audiouniversityonline.com/
Facebook: / audiouniversityonline
Twitter: / audiouniversity
Instagram: / audiouniversity
Patreon: / audiouniversity
Gear Recommendations: kit.co/audiouniversity
Audio Engineering Books:
The Sound Reinforcement Handbook - amzn.to/3cSgowB
Handbook for Sound Engineers - amzn.to/2TtJ2N3
Modern Recording Techniques - amzn.to/2Trqn4x
Mixing Engineer's Handbook - amzn.to/3bRhMOQ
Get a FREE book on Audible: amzn.to/2QvEhUB
#AudioUniversity
Disclaimer: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click them, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

[@1337murk]

The attack is actually how long the compressor takes to achieve the full ratio of compression, not exactly 'how quickly it will act'. It will act the moment the program material passes the threshold. It's important to view this in the right way for shaping the dynamics on a nuanced level, and when using a compressor as a kind of 'timed eq' etc

[@AudioUniversity]

Well said, Benj. I struggled to find the wording prior to explaining “gain reduction”. My plan is to create a more in-depth video on attack and release. I will borrow your wording if that’s alright, so as to prevent ambiguity and confusion. Thanks!

[@1337murk]

@@AudioUniversity Sure! Np glad to help, you seem to have some good videos!

[@dv5150]

The only video about compression that I found easy to understand, many thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Dávid! Glad it’s helpful!

[@SainttGee444]

On god, I didn’t even get it when my professor explained it!!!

[@jeltohn4722]

I understand ratio and threshold. Kyle, you are hands down among the best teachers on youtube. You make well structured videos that are easy to understand and cover nothing more or less than what should be covered. We can't praise the quality of your teaching enough!

[@AudioUniversity]

Wow! Thanks, Jeltohn!

[@ferraris26]

I will second that. It's not just an info dump, instead, you take the time to explain and then demonstrate what everything sounds like. Which in turn means more clarity and understanding, and less to straight up memorize

[@sebastiansahlman4754]

Agreed. Great video, very clear. Thank you

[@nikakublashvili1817]

he is the best!!!

[@MoreSmartter]

This video was so good. Easiest to understand explanation I’ve ever heard. 👏

[@retskni]

Thanks, Kyle! As per your request: yes, I understand ratio and threshold. Wish to commend you on how well you take us learners through the specific parameters of compression. You anticipate (and appreciate) the issues folk encounter using this tool. Your vids are concise and on point without unnecessary verbiage. Highly recommendable!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Mr James! I appreciate you taking the time to write this very nice comment.

[@jrunt7436]

Very well articulated, this really clarified clearly how compression works. I now understand treshold and ratio, attack, wet and dry signal, and so much more. Thank you!

[@RealDavidN]

i understand ratio and threshold, attack and release, the whole thing. Excellent comprehensive explanation. Thanks!

[@Alfernav]

This video is Gold. And the visualisation of this plug-in is amazing… now I want it!

[@eojeda1375]

Great !!! I understand ratio and threshold !!!! Thanks a LOT !!!

[@unexempt]

Easily one of the best channels on KZbin. Keep up the great work guys, you are teaching and inspiring the musicians of the future!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, ALX. Taylor!

[@alexshevchenko7568]

This is the best explanation and visualisation of how the compression works! Thanks, man!

[@purplehazeto]

Honestly, looked up tons of audio compression related stuff onlione before.. this video is probably the easiest so far for me to kind of grasp. thank you man.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it helped!

[@clicks59]

Best explanation yet. Thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, TB Player!

[@skfootit]

I understand. I can't thank you enough for your videos.

[@markzangeneh]

I understand ratio, threshold and makeup gain. Very well explained. Thank you !

[@HarmonicGray]

Best explanation vid for this I've seen.

[@donaldblair1982]

Nice job, I now understand ratio and threshold .

[@BassCK]

I understand ratio and threshold. Thank you for the information.

[@teashea1]

very well done - articulate and organized

[@guy_incognito]

The clearest explanation of compression and the various compression settings I have ever heard. Thank you!

[@ElemiahzFriend]

I understand ratio and threshold! ...FINALLY!! 🕊

[@Fretjoe]

This is the BEST video explaining in clear terms how compression works, and what the terms mean, great job

[@afterift]

Thanks for this clear explanation of compression. I've been trying to learn how to use compression for about 2 years now, and I feel like I'm just starting to understand how to use it properly. I struggle a lot to hear compression (unless it's exaggerated), and so the visuals of what's happening to my signal are a big help. I don't want to rely on the visuals too often though, or else I'm just mixing with my eyes. I'm sure I'll get better with hearing subtle compression over time, or at least I hope so!

[@AudioUniversity]

You'll definitely get better with practice, Afterift. I think it's especially helpful to know what each setting does, set an intention of what you want to do with the compressor, and work toward that goal with the various settings. Knowing what you want to do with the compressor BEFORE compressing is very powerful. Good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@NonnyStrikes]

It's incredible how much more valuable these videos become after you've spent time with live sound. Truly, thank you again.

[@pulankaoutdoordesign]

As always....a fine and clear instruction. Its nice to see you take the time to explain things. Makes it easy to watch. Thanks.

[@oldhom5038]

Compression is one of those things i know work but not how. You just turned years of knob turning into knowledge. Thank you

[@jpcuellar2597]

holy crap, i actually understand ratio and threshold now.. Love your videos man!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, JP!

[@cloud9savagehenry]

Much thanks for your help. This is something I'm dealing with and definitely need to understand.

[@TylerRossDrums]

I understand Ratio and Threshold. Thanks!

[@newagedawn]

ya, i understand compression and your vid explains it very well !!!, thanks for not making an hr long vid for 7 min worth of material,......its a win!!!!!!!! please keep em short

[@KingChingCheung]

THANK YOU SO MUCH ! You are good people!

[@dwashbur]

THANK YOU! Suddenly all those parameters make sense. Best video on the subject that I've seen.

[@lesleyscloud97]

i understand ration and threshold. as the volunteer and fixed sound engineer for my parents small church, this has helped me be better and understand sound and mixers.

[@reconnections_]

This is third video i have seen about compression and first in which I found most of my tascam dp 32sd settings. Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ValentinMalanetski]

I will use this video to send as a reference for people who don’t know it yet! As always, perfectly clear explanations. Thank you!

[@matadam2901]

you told me to comment I understand ratio and treshold. YUP I do understand it, THANKS

[@quentinguidas2123]

Great video helped understand the uses of a compressor!

[@AevnsGrandpa]

I understand ratio and threshold. Doing a good job!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Jeff!

[@user-ru1ql9pm7k]

You helped me understand compressing a lot better. I also now understand the concept of threshold frequencies. Thanks alot

[@yungprophetmusic]

You and Michael from in the Mix, are both one of the greatest teachers for this out there

[@admiralcasperr]

I understand ratio and threshold, and I'm a signal theory smoothbrain. Good job.

[@nunolance23]

Thank you so much for this. Having the visual representation helps a ton! I now understand ratio and threshold!

[@m.b.hart95]

Thats the best explanation I have ever heard!

[@AudioUniversity]

Wow! Thanks, Martin!

[@cmenacez8748]

Great video! Very clear way of explaining this and very helpful. Thanks!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@aceytv4951]

I just started recording at home a few days ago and this has been a life saver! One of the few clear explanations I've seen so far, and deffonitely the best out of them.

[@AudioUniversity]

Wow! Thanks, Acey TV!

[@yashparikh4738]

I understand ratio and threshold! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@mrfoodarama]

I understand ratio and threshold! 😜 Got yourself a new Subscriber, really enjoying your videos

[@RopeSwingDreams]

This is an amazing video. I understand the concepts being taught. I have been wanting to learn these kinds of techniques for awhile, and this is an amazing resource for doing so. Thank you!

[@crayfish3629]

Finally you’ve answered the question I asked you thank very much 🙏🏾

[@AudioUniversity]

Hopefully this was helpful to you, cray fish!

[@arshakmkhitaryan7039]

I understand ratio and threshold. Your videos are incredible! Thank you!

[@therealme2879]

Thanks for making this incredibly easy to understand!

[@jordanlear7390]

You're so good at this, you could literally teach audio production to 2nd graders and they would understand. Fantastic job

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@chriscarson6050]

This content is gold

[@stevegrise1571]

WOW ! This is the best video about compression. Concise, very visual, clear and complete.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Steve!

[@joseluismendoza374]

I appreciate the video. I have been confused how to use a compressor for awhile now but the visuals and explanation really helped. Thanks!!

[@szithaanu9934]

Easily one of the best explanations of compression I've come across.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks!

[@mclovin_69_]

dude thank you, i am very new to compressors and needed a good explanation

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help!

[@robertseitz9757]

yes, I understand ratio and threshold.😉 Good job explaining "knee"!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Robert!

[@paulski7307]

So clear and concise, thank you!! 🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙🤖💙

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help, Paul! Thanks.

[@MustoMugen]

I finally found a source that is really truly helpful. Can't explain how grateful I am. And I understand ratio and treshold :)

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help!

[@pimcramer2569]

Wow.... Such a simple explanation. No word too much. I've read about 20 websites and vids... And never had the feeling I understood fully until now

[@AudioUniversity]

Very glad to help, Pim! Thanks for watching!

[@Primo_extracts]

Thank you. I understand ratio and threshold.

[@xyzct]

Excellent. Most videos that cover compression grope around the setting arbitrarily.

[@nikolastamenkovic7069]

Perfect explanation!

[@franbert6218]

It’s a pleasure watching your videos. I know most of these concepts but I still enjoy watching your channel. You make it all look easy, but I know there is a lot of preparation to goes in each of your videos. You’re a natural teacher. Keep up the good work

[@NoDebut]

30 seconds in and I understood. You really rock, thank you!!

[@NoDebut]

I understand ratio and threshold now, too 😊

[@Diego7Strat]

Great explanation! very clear with the graphic. thank you.

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PranavamMusics]

Thank you so much for these lessons💯🤝

[@toni2065]

So grateful I stumbled upon your channel! 😊

[@AudioUniversity]

I'm grateful, too! Thanks, Toni.

[@sonicn2784]

I now understand ratio and threshold!

[@seanpaul62]

I understand ratio and threshold. Excellent job bud learning loads

[@alessandrosamueleslavu6987]

the only video on youtube that actually helps me understand, great teacher man great teacher, I subscribed after just watchin one of your vids

[@patrickrowe6745]

A very good tutorial. Thanks a lot

[@alanblumlein]

Great tutorial Kyle - Very clear, concise and interesting to watch.

[@HeLIVESinME2024]

i have recently jumped into the x32 rack system at my church, i am a visual learner this is the best video for me yet. thanks

[@Mueseumbeats]

Appreciate the knowledge man!

[@taywilcox1374]

This really helps me. I just started school for audio engineering. Thank you!

[@kamzfromtheeastside]

thank you so much sir! I have learnt a bunch!

[@Brpwndood]

I understand ratio and compression. Actually the best teaching vid ive seen on this

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks! Glad to hear that!

[@venkatsailor]

Thank you so much for invaluable guidance!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching!

[@jayninety5172]

You're a skilled teacher, I didn't understand compression better up until now. Thank you.

[@kargo3906]

i usually don't comment anywhere but yup u made me. totally easy to pickup, amazing way of teaching. keep it up. u got a sub!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, kargo! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and subscribe!

[@kargo3906]

@@AudioUniversity you're welcome.

[@michaelmassaro3483]

Definitely one of the best explanations of how a compressor works that I've come across. Thank you!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Michael!

[@greenpea9412]

I understand ratio and thresh hold but now have a visual that ties it all together. These video's are fantastic.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Greenpea!

[@MyNigellus]

Best tutorial on this, good job

[@justinssleeyt]

That was a very clear explanation. Thanks!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you, Justin! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mudrahel.philosophovich]

The best YT channel in audio theme! Thanks!

[@exhaustnotemusic5835]

Whenever I need to revise my stuff or learn new stuff, your channel is the first one that I turn to... Love from India

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help!

[@nicolasmartz3793]

thank so much! This is by far the best and clearest explanation I could find on KZbin about compression. It must be said that the GUI of that Fabfilter proC² plugin also helps greatly to understand and visually follow the effects of each of the settings.

[@dino1065]

I, like many of the other comments, have watched a multitude of videos about compressors and this is by far the best and most simple to understand video I've seen. Well done and many thanks.

[@donlazov2443]

Thank you very much for this tutorial, really added to my 'toolbox' of sound mixing/engineering for me. I get threshold and ratio much better now, many thanks!

[@joeurbanowski321]

You’ve given me a lot of great stuff to think about.. thanks.!👍🏼

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to hear that, Joe! Thanks for watching.

[@ks42555]

I’m definitely understanding ratio and threshold. Thanks for this great video man 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@claybob7729]

Great video, always explained simply, but effectively

[@AudioUniversity]

Thank you, Clay!

[@mondragon9282]

This made compression really easy to understand. I'm glad I found this video!

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to hear that!

[@HarrisonBorbarrison]

Thank you

[@Josh-gm3be]

This is a brilliant video thanks. I genuinely can use a compressor now

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@lukasgoodyear9430]

i understand ratio and threshold. thank you

[@mkemusic4826]

I've seen many videos on compression, but this one is the best by far.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Milwaukee Music!

[@nikakublashvili1817]

hands down you are the best online teacher i sweat to god! thank you so much for all knowledge that you gave to me!