Compression EXPLAINED: The Automatic Volume Fader | GarageBand Tutorial

[@TheBandGuide]

‼️ FREE Compression Cheatsheet: www.thebandguide.com/compressioncheatsheet ‼️

[@greenhell2]

I'm SO happy I found you! I'm learning how to record my own horror music, but I've always been intimidated by anything that isn't straight-up songwriting. I realize it's now time to start diving into production, and though I'm still a bit scared by all the technicalities, I think the reward is going to outweigh that fear. Thanks so much for your help!

[@peterpinnpalermo6887]

I use compression more wisely after a year of watching all your videos. My music gets BETTER everyday. Thank you!

[@sergeyagain]

this is the first video which gave the explanation of the attack/release which I really understood, thank you!

[@markdtv]

Great lesson! For people new to music mixing (like me) "compression" can have a negative connotation because the same word is also used to describe shrinking the size of digital files so they're easier to handle - think MP3 vs WAV music files, or JPEG vs TIFF photo files - which, although useful, inevitably degrades the signal by reducing the amount of information. In music mixing it's a totally different kind of tool for enhancing elements of the mix in various ways so well explained in this video. If you've ever wondered why the Beatles recordings sound so great, a major reason is because their Abbey Road engineers were masters of the art of dynamic compression (among other things).

[@jackswillie_music]

Just found your channel and its right at the perfect time. You are doing the Lord's work here on YT my friend!

[@neilbonavita8623]

well done Colin. First time that I really understood the different controls and functions. Thanks

[@scootdadtx]

Thanks for teaching me about compression and what it is really doing. I am going to apply it to my mixes now.

[@daveyrojo]

These cheat sheets are amazing. Even for someone who knows a good amount (for an amateur) about recording these references really help me figure out how to quickly achieve what I want!

[@TheBandGuide]

🙌🏼 that’s so awesome to hear, David! I put a lot into them so I’m stoked to hear they are helpful!

[@andersfredericksen]

I love your stuff - you do a great job of explaining things. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

[@TheBandGuide]

Thank you!

[@cristianomoniz]

OMG what explanation that's what I needed to learn! Fantastic.....thank you sooooo much, my man! Yes, I use it on my recordings and I wanna improve my skillset about this topic! Once again I really appreciate it!

[@scott5236]

Colin, you are a wealth of knowledge and you have helped me with improving my recordings. Keep up the great work and keep the videos coming!

[@seanmccabe6832]

This plus the video featuring the lala compressor really helped me understand compression. Until now I’ve been flying blind with the built in compressor, just toggling that knob until 3 or 4 lights lit up 😅

[@MarkySerenada]

I'm here! Watching this now. Great info so far, thank you!

[@terryrollins1973]

I never knew how to use a compressor properly, until now! Thank you 🙏

[@TheBandGuide]

Glad I was able to help, Terry!

[@liambrownpianoproductions3445]

Hey I just subbed I normally don't bother with it on other channels as they always want to try and sell me stuff but you didn't mention a course once and I love your video setup, it feels very laid back and not to commercial.

[@meganhook4054]

super helpful. really appreciate your clarity, visuals and helpful explanations! you rock! is there one about using compression on vocals? i'll have to explore. thanks 🌺

[@alexkanga9131]

The compression cheat sheet is amazing and helps beginners faster and more easily. It’s Organized and neat, easily to follow, good use of concepts and amalogy 🔥🔥

[@TheBandGuide]

You’re the man, Alex! Glad it was helpful!

[@olganellis7060]

Thank you for another great video! I use the information I learn in my own music.

[@TheBandGuide]

You’re very welcome!

[@the.fresh.bananas]

Nice explanation of compresson. Very easy to follow.

[@TheBandGuide]

Hey thanks! Glad it was helpful 🙌🏼

[@garudasomanna]

Thanks Colin for the great pains you have taken to explain the different facets of compression. I trust that when I really start working on this plugin, I will be able to understand your teachings better.

[@TheBandGuide]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@lawnmowerman7]

Thank you Jason Sudeikis!

[@isoladellerosetv]

maybe you should make a video using that free compression plugin. You could make the same song you made in the video guide and explain the differences between using garageband compression and specomp. How about the "lights methods" of garageband compression, how would be this method in specomp?

[@TheBandGuide]

Great ideas!

[@JustWatch-be7ph]

Great content!

[@StassiPryce]

Is there another free compressor that you'd suggest? These analog compressor require a subscription now.

[@callumfrew285]

could you please consider making a video or word document or something which outlines how to make midi parts (brass, strings, bass) sound more realistic?

[@TheBandGuide]

I’ll have to think about this one! A couple of quick tips- automate the velocity on the editor window (hit E to bring up editor then A to bring up the automation for the editor) varying the intensity of hits is very important for a more realistic sound. And then try high shelf boost on the EQ! I find that boost helps all virtual instruments sound more realistic. Hope that helps!

[@KellyNicole515]

Very helpful!!! I just got garage band and am trying to up my game with my song covers. Do you know any plug ins or ways to get rid of certain “blips” in the background (dog bark, floor creek, door opening across the house, etc)

[@TheBandGuide]

The best way is to trim any audio where you aren’t actually singing! If it’s in the audio you need I would see if you can actually hear it in the context with everything and if not- no worries! If so… unfortunately the best thing you can do is re-record 😕

[@KellyNicole515]

@@TheBandGuide thank you so much I really appreciate it!

[@amazingbiblia1832]

Nice! Thank you.

[@TheBandGuide]

You’re welcome!

[@tnkpro4sho]

Good info

[@Theactivepsychos]

Bouncing the track and importing it so we can see the soundwave side by side before and after would be a great addition.

[@Exspazament]

This!!

[@Exspazament]

Visuals like that are what I'm talking about. It's nice to see what the compressor actually does to the sound waves.

[@Theactivepsychos]

@@Exspazament I don't have a visual brain so I don't see in pictures at all. Its called aphantasia. I need to see stuff. Or draw it from the description.

[@Exspazament]

@@Theactivepsychos I can usually hear the difference but having a visual before and after is nice to get a better understanding of what is happening.

[@Theactivepsychos]

@@Exspazament Yeah definitely. I can hear it now. I struggled at forst to get what I was even listening for. I keep falling out of love with mixing and th3n sucked back in haha.

[@busstopbench]

Love the SPECOMP from analog obsession. Have you checked out their ssq eq and room041 plugins? If not, do so and maybe make a quick video on these fabulous plugins.

[@TheBandGuide]

I didn’t know they released a reverb plugin! I’ll definitely be trying that one out. I’ve been using SSQ for a while and definitely love it. It’s killer on drums

[@DarrenToth]

This guy talks with his hands so much it feels like I'm watching a one man kung-fu movie.

[@oauzzie]

Hi! I Can’t locate the cheat sheet it says “page not found”

[@TheBandGuide]

Oh man! I'm so glad you said something- just fixed the link. Appreciate you!

[@scottschmittmusic]

Dig it

[@jakeyssickshow5019]

You look like tha dude from Scooby doo monsters unleashed bru

[@vincentbrown-scott4610]

❤️

[@Exspazament]

From my current understanding, compression makes the louder parts a little more quiet and the quiet parts a little louder.

[@TheBandGuide]

That’s exactly right! It reduces the dynamic range

[@Exspazament]

@@TheBandGuide would automating be more efficient if you're seeking to keep that said dynamic range? Or would you suggest both (given the source needs that in the context of the mix)? My current project is very proggy and the compressor tends to kill the dynamic feeling ive established and I find myself not using it as much on individual tracks but the whole mix instead.

[@tnkpro4sho]

Good info