Compression Tutorial: The Basics of How to Compress Properly

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This tutorial explains the fundamentals of audio compression, dynamic range, using the threshold, ratio, and gain controls of the Fruity Limiter plugin in FL Studio 12, and teaches you the basics of how to compress properly.
00:14 - Uses of Compression
00:47 - What is Dynamic Range?
02:26 - What is Compression?
03:16 - Fruity Limiter
04:12 - Compressor Controls (Threshold, Ratio, Gain)
04:32 - Compression Demonstration
05:34 - Compression Explained
06:23 - Threshold
07:10 - Ratio
08:36 - Make-up Gain
09:10 - Compressed vs. Uncompressed (A/B Compare)
09:52 - Compressed vs. Uncompressed (Visualized)
Questions or comments? Leave them below and I will be happy to help. Tutorial requests for future videos? Let me know!

[@yungang5t169]

Let’s start a petition to bring this channel back he’s god sent

[@bdzm5207]

I agree

[@filmmaker5457]

You need to do some serious detective work. I wander myself what has transpired...

[@jaisibisivakumar3157]

Definitely yes

[@equiaux_music]

What happened

[@staticonnabeat971]

Bring this foo back😢

[@tejasmanchi4694]

without wasting single second ......explained all things carefully .......totally worth 10 mins

[@loganfong2911]

I made this even more worthwhile by listening to this at 1.5x speed lol

[@bruno_krod]

To the point and efficiently explained 10/10

[@PROJECTJoza100]

Yea i didnt understand it from other videos. This guy saved me

[@thijmenkooistra4014]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAH@@jackchen3903

[@Editisement]

@@PROJECTJoza100 people often think we automatically know about all the terms they're talking about

[@rrocc]

@@Editisement "Yeah, just leave that. That's not important" is what I hear in most tutorials and it's annoying

[@justinshchr879]

This is for mastering

[@peters5090]

bro you explained this shit better than anyone i've ever heard. you are a natural teacher. go on young blood, the world needs you

[@NeekoFreeman]

Your videos are so helpful. I know it's been 5 years but if you ever decide to make more tutorials, that would be great!

[@xMaSSxHyST3RiA]

PERFECT!!! dam i wish this guy would come back

[@mihailstajkovikj7619]

He isnt active anymore?

[@user-rf4vc7mt4d]

last upload: 3 years ago

[@CryptoChanakya]

I think he's dead. Why else wont he post? The views are not bad. Honestly, the quality of explanation here is VERY high. He taught me in 10 minutes what a 3 hour paid so called 'masterclass' couldn't. If u are reading this senpai, please post more videos! :(

[@OohWeeShaShaCooCoo]

You're such a great teacher. I could never truly grasp compression from everyone else's videos. They talk too much and need 30 minutes! Meanwhile it literally took you 10!!! Thank you so so much keep teaching the masses.

[@Temersson]

Having watched tons of tuts on this very subject this is easily the best one. Clear, on point and easy to understand. You do have a gift. I thank you, Sir.

[@PuppiesVideosCompilation]

Love videos like this! perfect explanation, thanks! 🙏

[@needsmoreboosters4264]

Your explanations are amazing, thanks!

[@DSWL_]

easily the most comprehensive explanation i have ever heard about compression

[@mamteusztadeusz9826]

I can't get over how beautifully it was explained

[@__pb__2257]

Man, you deserve millions of subscribers! Also I'm glad, that I can be one of the few people who subscribed to you when you had under 1000 subs :D

[@jeb1972]

Finally someone explained compression so easily and to the point, thank you!

[@EmptyAngelo]

i've tried to watch hundreds of compression videos to grasp the concept. Finally with yours, i understand it! Thank you so much!

[@MaNuLaToROfficial]

probably the best tutorial for FL studio I've seen. And I've watched quite a few. He's straight to the point and doesn't ruin it with side talk or other bs that other videos have THANKS A MILLION MAN!!!

[@jox313]

Thank you man. You have a great way to explain compression. Really helpful

[@raskidon]

You can explain so well, I have watched so many DAW tutorial, this is the best.

[@OffcialBalajistudiomalladaRj58]

Your willingness to share this program is a true testament to the spirit of the KZbin community. Thank you!

[@lukegrech7757]

Really straight forward with no sugar coating, great tutorial dude!

[@mrbensvoicebox]

You have a talent for tutorials like these. I have watched hundreds and this (and the other you did on EQ) was among the best.

[@gh-bm9eu]

Ive been watching so many compression videos trying to get a better grasp on how to use it, and I finally have gotten the answers I was looking for. You're really good at describing these things as well. I really appreciated the metaphors you used to describe what you were doing to the sample (paper folding for the way it was displayed, squeezing the sound with your fingers, etc...)

[@electronicproducer4603]

Thanks for the feedback! glad it was helpful :)

[@ivovinicius5529]

i wish every tutorial on youtube was this direct and complete at the same time. good job! and thank you +1 like

[@Sozerdote00]

This is BY FAR the most clear explanation of Compression I've ever seen, and it's the first time I actually get the whole point of what it is and its purpose. Same goes for your EQ tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@skySofa]

You have a very good advantage when compared to other tutorial chanels on YT: You explain slowly and thoroughly. Never lose that. Its your main advantage and your added value! Great job and thanks for the knowledge.

[@electronicproducer4603]

Thank you very much. More to come!

[@CryptoChanakya]

@@electronicproducer4603 Show some sign that you are alive please.

[@BlitzProHD]

@@CryptoChanakya right!😂

[@virendrashah9092]

I've never seen somebody explaining stuff so clearly.. salute.. and respect.!

[@dramduty4348]

i need to ask have you made some music?

[@E_Rico]

dramduty why😂

[@dramduty4348]

Virendra Shah i cant remember

[@myheaven2626]

Dramduty you are saying as if you are like armin ...paul van dyk.....tiesto or .....😂

[@sbnnatan]

Thank you, finally someone who actually explains in full detail without skipping stuff. Thanks

[@pete2070]

One of the best tutorials I have found. I actually understood all you said. Very useful and certainly of a great help on the use of compression. Thanks, sir!

[@beatsbybrayden7595]

I've watched almost every compression tutorial on youtube, trying to understand the concept, and this is by far the best one.

[@tarkeconelius2998]

See that's was the same thing I passed through till I saw this tutorial.

[@CryptoChanakya]

I have seen hours of videos on compression. This 10 min video utterly cuts thru all the trash on youtube. I hope hes ok whoever made this.

[@maurigz]

Best explainer. Please make a whole mixing and mastering series

[@armandojuarez2880]

Finally, someone that explains the concepts, and the explanation is just the best! Thank you very much.

[@maxjonas6942]

Excellent tutorial, man. Nicely and simply explained. Thank you so much.

[@spookr479]

First video I watched, instant sub. This tutorial was amazing straight to the point and I didn’t feel like anything was going in one ear and out the other.

[@electronicproducer4603]

Glad it helped :)

[@luke-kemeny]

Honestly this video tut is great thank you!

[@pyrojack5372]

thank you for being honest.

[@justinshchr879]

Brothe can I use compress only for clap or kick

[@Rule1isDistortion]

i started with producing like two weeks ago or so, and everything you explained is very clear to me, i understand it perfectly, thank you!

[@xiigage999]

This is the best tutorial I have ever experienced, about anything, in my entire life, ever. Thank you

[@r4f4y34]

Thank you so much man! I almost thought I was never gonna understand wtf is compression, You saved me!

[@elijahbill9148]

haha legit the same 😂 if you haven't check out his EQ video, really helped me too

[@r4f4y34]

@@elijahbill9148 Yes.I have already watched that video.Actually I understood EQ only from that video too lol. I really wish this guy comes back.

[@ericaleshai]

Legit the most thorough explanation of compression I've ever seen.

[@raskidon]

Truly simple

[@Black-Viper75]

OMG!!! Thank you so much. I've just started getting in home recording with a DAW and your video final helped me understand what compression is and how to start using a compressor.

[@haisooni]

Thank you. This tutorial helps me in Music Production studies.

[@therealmckoy8135]

2 words: Thank You

[@ThePurpleDinozaur]

Fantastic, straight to the point. Could you make a tutorial about mastering? Subbed :D

[@electronicproducer4603]

On the list!

[@ThePurpleDinozaur]

Can't wait! :)

[@JAYKOLI]

Electronic Producer Yes. please make a tutorial about Mixing & Mastering. :))

[@Brandonheat1]

pleaseeeeeee

[@calitothekid6579]

TUTORIAL OUT ALREADY GUYS !

[@GarthStewart]

Keep doing Tutorials. The way you explain things are so simple. You get straight to the point and make things look so easy. After watching this video I feel like I can compress anything!! Thanks for the tutorial, please keep more coming. Thanks again

[@GamingWithMarqYT]

I watched a million compression videos and you have finally helped me and made it clear to me on how it actually works and what it does... Very effective video...

[@stianphan4931]

great work man! just started getting into production. your videos are easy to understand. could you help me list up what kind of essential skills I need to learn to finish a project, like a checklist what to do? thanks!

[@electronicproducer4603]

There is much to learn, but a lot of it is also dependent on what you're trying to do including what style/genre, and which techniques are beneficial to those styles. However, I plan to cover a lot of stuff in upcoming tutorials that should cover the fundamental basis of music production, as well as dive into some style/genre-specific stuff that I've learned over the years. If you have any specific questions or tutorials you'd like to see, let me know :)

[@Swegor]

Thanks you are my new "FL Studio Guru" now (love Scott's videos too,so i have 2 Guru's now hehe)Subbed :)

[@kevinkansy6955]

Totaly makes sense now, thanks! Great explanation!

[@aishawf]

Once again a straight forward and easy to grasp explanation! I am a visual learner so your teaching style is perfect for me- thank you!

[@abhispace4]

Great video on explaining the concept! What would you say to those who didn't hear the difference with a high-end pair of headphones?

[@electronicproducer4603]

The difference is indeed subtle. I also purposefully wanted to demonstrate the practice of not overcompressing. Try to listen to the part immediately following the initial transient (or "attack") and notice it being a bit louder. Listening to it by itself is subtle, but the compressed clap would have an easier time punching through the mix, because the middle chunk comes through at a higher level. All of this is happening in milliseconds, of course, but this same concept could be applied to a longer sound or collection of sounds to see a more noticeable effect if it's hard for you to hear in this example.

[@SreenikethanI]

@@electronicproducer4603 yeah, I had been wondering about the same - how only a very slight difference was heard. Thanks for verifying/clarifying it!

[@stephenbarbour9172]

This seems more like a in depth class rather than a tutorial. More please!

[@tortture3519]

Absolutely not

[@SreenikethanI]

@@tortture3519 well, it seems the original commenter is saying it in a positive way?

[@ingahan5820]

johny depth

[@thisbluntlaced4346]

Took a sec to appreciate how straight forward and to the point this video is.

[@electguitarz]

Thank you so much for these videos! It was very easy to understand.

[@Dev_Patel_26]

MAN FINALLY AFTER SEARCHING LOTS OF VIDEOS FOR MONTHS GOT YOURS TODAY!!!! AWESOME MAN!!!! ITS A REQUEST MAN THAT CAN YOU PLEASE DO ALL THE TOPICS OF PRODUCTION IN SEPARATE VIDEOS COVERING WHOLE FL STUDIO... I MEANT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU JUST START EXPLAINING ALL THE STUFF FL STUDIO OFFERS AND THEORY LIKE THIS BEHIND EVERYTHING.. THIS WOULD MAKE US UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE FL STUDIO PROPERLY AND MAKE SONGS OF OUR OWN.. THANKS IN ADVANCE.. DO RPLY IF YOU LIKED MY IDEA

[@edcompton9456]

Turn your caps lock off :)

[@allyamamasshit6613]

"Wtf did i just do" lmao i love that simple line

[@Windgod0]

Awesome videos man, keep it up! Subbed, can't wait to see some more

[@Allia1609]

I'm a complete beginner in audio editing and I'm so happy I came across your channel, your videos are by far the most explanatory I've seen so far! I'll learn a lot from you, thank you 😊🙏

[@Masdnoel]

Great Video... please do one on attack, release and knee.

[@TrevorHuntMusic]

You are THE FIRST mixing teacher that’s helped me understand all of this! Just getting into mixing and recording and the struggle is real. Thanks for the tutorial. 👍🏻

[@wizmos74]

Same like EQ best explained tutorial i've seen.Thank you very much!

[@davidjacobik5451]

Best explanation I've seen on KZbin! This concept has taken a while to set in for me, but you've nailed it!

[@LearnOptionTrades]

Where did this guy go ? I need more videos like these :(

[@electronicproducer4603]

I'm right here :)

[@SreenikethanI]

@@electronicproducer4603 ^_^

[@SreenikethanI]

@Redi Hida You're telling about me or Electronic Producer? I believe you're referring to Electronic Producer.

[@thisurconscious]

"When 🤔 the world 🌎 needed him he disappeared" -Avatar SoundBender where is these guy 👦 ‼️😭😢

[@vallejopnw]

Dude You're the Ron Swanson of explaining producer tips. No fuss. Straight to the point. Bully for us all!

[@acupofchill]

You make things so much easier to understand! Thank you sir. Also the term explanation was great.

[@lexomusic4749]

what are the things i should compres? Leads, piano, samples, vocals everything?

[@olau5478]

i have the same question

[@rickvandervoorn3172]

There are no rules about that, it is your decision. My rule of thumb is, do not compress for the sake of it. Think about what it is you are trying to achieve, and how compression could help you achieve that. Let's say you have a lead kind of sound, with some delay and a reverb tail. You could use compression to 'tune' the overall sound of it in the mix. Chances are the reverb and delay can get burried in the entire mix, as they are just not as loud as the rest (like the clap tail in this vid). To make the whole thing more audible you can compress the lead with a somewhat fast attack, turning it down a little. Bringing the whole thing back up with make up gain. Chances are the lead and it's FX will sit better in the overall mix. And for me, that would be a good reason to be compressing it. But i would certainly not compress everything. Some dynamic range is what makes things interesting to listen to in the first place. It more or less depends on the signal and how you want it to play nice with the rest. Vocals for example really benefit from compression, as their dynamic range is usually quite large. A kick from a sample pack for example? If it sounds good, packs a punch, why go further than EQing it? Ofcourse if you can make it sound a little bit tighter with compression, do that. No rules really.

[@mitjamiklic8102]

You can compress anything if you like but I personally use comoression to get rid of some unnecesary spikes and to kinda glue some stuff togheter(percussions etc.)

[@lexomusic4749]

Mitja Miklič isn’t the limiter for getting rid of some spikes? D:

[@blueberrykodiak5843]

What exactly does "getting 1 db back" mean? Also, should you ever compress anything with a low dynamic range?

[@Izzythedestryr]

That's entirely up to you. Your ears are the determining factor. People compress stuff to improve loudness within the context of a mix. If you think it needs it, then try it out.

[@thecoltsamuel8010]

It means for every x dB that exceeds the threshold value, u are left with 1dB. With a ratio of 4:1, what used to be 4dB above threshold now will be 1dB. Conversely, with a 1:1 ratio will be no compression. Ratio just controls the severity of compression. Limiters are compressors with a ratio of at least 20:1, creating a harsh cut almost like a ceiling at the threshold, hence their name..

[@arnabbhattacharyya6616]

@@thecoltsamuel8010 thank you so much for the explanation . I was struggling with this ratio concept.

[@davecreates]

fantastic tutorial bro, you make it so easy to understand. thanks!

[@petererhardt8420]

Thank you so much for this video. You made it clear, concise, and effective!

[@FBi_.]

The only time I use compressor is for the vocals and that’s pretty much it....

[@srmgrd7782]

Not recomended

[@FBi_.]

@@srmgrd7782 really y??

[@giovanniprocopio9800]

808s

[@voyager5198]

"for every 2 db that crosses the threshold, I get one decibel back" What do you mean you get it back?

[@Izzythedestryr]

It means that he is reducing the loudness by a factor of 2... I.E. if the orginal sound was 4 db, its reducing what you hear by 2 db. As the ratio increases, the more distorted the sound becomes.

[@jasonbarallon5369]

@@Izzythedestryr so with that example that he went through, he actually decreased the dynamic range. isnt the idea of music to increase the dynamic range? wouldnt that sound better as its got 'more range'?

[@icedkohionegai5194]

@@jasonbarallon5369 But the purpose of compression is to decrease the range. Decreasing it makes it seem a lot more whole and it would pack a better punch. I think what you mean is music as a whole, of course the bigger the range, the better, but for samples, it would be better to compress it, especially vocals

[@AutPen38]

For genres like classical music or acoustic instruments, a wide range between quiet and loud is generally favoured, but for pop, rock, and EDM, the listener usually wants the whole thing to sound loud. Compression lowers the loudest peaks and then the quietest parts are boosted such that the whole thing is right in your face. "Dynamic range" refers to how much the volume changes during a song. Modern tastes are for not much change at all. We want it loud all the way through.

[@sillystrings9501]

I know this video is a year old but you genuinely explained something so clear within one video that I haven't been able to understand with any other video. Thank you so much for all your videos :) I subscribed immediately

[@chrimsinbolt7]

Great video! You’re good at explaining different concepts. Would love to see more from you.

[@nevacaredmosen]

3:00 who else thought there was a hair on their screen 😂

[@ossno3053]

k beats lol true

[@zklne1827]

I

[@thecoltsamuel8010]

Still tryna flick it away

[@beziimusic]

omg yes right under the sample window lmao

[@Shaykoo]

Bruhhh

[@kianutaylor]

"WTF did I do" (￣▽￣)

[@shamanbeartwo3819]

I have watched at least 100 compression tutorials and this has got to be one of the best. I am definitely going to watch your sidechain compression video now:))

[@dhirenvasava1107]

Best tutorial on compression. A huge thanks to you man. Helped me a lot🙏🙏🙏

[@cosmotect]

I understood everything, just didn't hear a difference. Probably need studio headphones

[@mitjamiklic8102]

Try to train your ears, you can hear the difference on a mobile phone speaker, but hearing small differences in compression and EQ comes with time:) There are some online pages that have "exercises" for your ears

[@NickyTesla]

It's louder compressed

[@mitjamiklic8102]

@@NickyTesla It is not louder, its just compressed, check the level meters for loudness. Signal should be the same level before and after compression

[@NickyTesla]

@@mitjamiklic8102 from my shitty phone speakers it sounds a little louder lol

[@WishfulCreation]

You should definitely have some studio headphones if you're gonna be mixing tho. I believe there are some Sony's that are pretty popular on a budget, under $100. I went with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros, because I saw a lot of good reviews here on YT. I gotta say, the clarity is kind of insane. I noticed a pretty significant difference between before and after compression in this video.

[@keloduma]

Guys what happened to this channel? I'm inly seeing 5 videos

[@apchan]

Yes, I'm concerned for him... is he okay? I like the way he teaches..and his voice..

[@nicklasnesse7806]

Finally understand the concept of compression. Thanks a lot! 10. minutes making compression easy to understand!

[@richardsmusic5577]

your format is by far the best

[@NihalHabeebSelfy]

this is the best compression tutorial I have seen so far. I got the concept clear now.

[@wizmos74]

Very well explained compression,thank you mate!

[@honungen5544]

This is bloody brilliant

[@chrisperkins9709]

This video is absolutely brilliant at explaining a concept that is not easy to understand. Seriously great job dude!!!

[@corrzyLAD]

Best I've ever had it explained to me, thanks a lot

[@matstryker1255]

Great description! Easy to follow and you are very clear and to the point. Thanks for the help

[@ellamint360]

Thanks for taking the time at the end to explain why we should do it even if sometimes you cant hear the difference!

[@HaMou261]

The way you explain is just awesome. Thanks a lot

[@thelifeproductions1]

Very well explained tutorial on compression- thanks!

[@chishamusonda4056]

The video i didnt know i needed. Precise and to the point

[@lefyri6715]

This really helped me out,thanks man

[@Nerdboy456]

man i wish you had more videos, your explanation was perfect

[@rohitxess1955]

Such a good and precise explanation. Subscribed

[@lyndaszabomusic]

Thank you so much! I have been looking for a clear explanation like this for quite some time now

[@producer1e]

hands down the best compressor tutorial I have ever seen. I really hope you make more videos and tutorials.

[@reliquary_music]

Awesome tutorial man.

[@luciushilnhagen2249]

Best one ive seen so far, good job!

[@soundtrapp8164]

Awesome tutorial and to the point! Beautifully explained 🎯

[@flodobird]

Very good tutorial man exactly the information I was looking for!

[@sufyanahmed8067]

amazing explaination! simple and on point