How and Why to Use Your Compressor's RATIO Control

What exactly is that "ratio" control on your compressor, and how should you use it? When do you want to use a low ratio, and when should you use a higher one? Justin Colletti gives you the best practices.
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#audioengineering #compression #musicmixing

[@SonicScoop]

►Get the free mastering workshop: sonicscoop.com/Mastering101 ►Get the free mixing workshop: sonicscoop.com/MixHabits ►Win free stuff at sonicscoop.com/contest ►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

[@RudalPL]

Does the Mix Habits still work? The link leads to an empty page....

[@ThePearlDrummer10]

Justin, you will go down as one of the most legendary KZbin educators ever. Thanks for sharing your invaluable time, knowledge and experience with us.

[@eddiekimura]

Straight up

[@wagnerbertolino2]

First 4 minutes and I'm already sold. It's one of the best explanations I've watched on KZbin. Period.

[@Freedomintertainment]

I have seen a million videos on compression and never (until now) explain the ratio in detail and perfect as this video. Most just say, "2:1, 4:1, 10:1 etc mean you are compressing this much. However, when to use a lower or higher ratio has always had my curiosity. Thanks for finally making a video on this topic. This video gives a thorough understanding of a ratio. ✌🏾

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear! That’s what I’m here for :-) -Justin

[@Freedomintertainment]

@@SonicScoop moreover, I am enjoying your teaching in breakthrough compression. I am on my 4th time of studying all 17 videos. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. Is it possible that you can do a teaching on eq, e.g., how to use the widthof the band, that is, do you start off with all the way broad then adjust from there, or do you start off as in between then make the q wider. I am not sure if my point is made, but I have never seen a video in detail about this. You got to be the man to teach it, since this video on ratio is similar to my question.

[@techmarinebottomfeeders884]

Mind BLOWN!!! Thank you for the illustrations. I have been struggling with ratio until now. Thank you again!!!

[@monarchdrumandbass8700]

Insane that none of these vids have more views? Impeccable content!

[@theslideguy4228]

So simple, yet so effective. Thanks for another no BS offering, Justin.

[@stillupmusic]

I have never had this explained so clearly, thank you so much!!

[@TheDerider]

Such a concise, comprehensive and comprehendible explanation of one of the most confusing subjects in audio. Good onya, Justin! 🙏😎

[@DaWizeDeciple]

After 10 videos I finally got it!!! Thanks fam!

[@SonicScoop]

Glad to be of help! So psyched I could help it finally sink in for you. Happy sound shaping, Justin

[@Skimatik_DnB]

Thank you again ..... I’m finally starting to get my head around compression after about a year and a half of dedicated learning 🙌 see you next time ✌️💚☯️

[@henri-fillipbauer6579]

Man loved you’re video about depth in a mix. the way you explained it really made me think and solved the issues I was having.

[@SonicScoop]

So awesome to hear Henri! We’ve got a lot more like it :-) -Justin

[@funkygh]

This is a good one Justin. I think using compression effectively is one of the hardest mixing skills to learn, and this video gives some great rules of thumb.

[@hyperactivists9390]

Jeez ive been producing and mixing for 45 years and I never really understood how to properly use the ratio + threshold like this. yeah I can dial it in by ear but not with a clear strategy. kudos and thanks

[@ivomadethedrop]

wow best video i seen yet, explaining Ratio!!! Thx

[@LordTheeProducer]

so informative and gives specific examples so there’s no way you can get confused. subscribed 👍🏾

[@iramatx]

This was very informative. Every time I think I know enough about compression, videos like this remind there's always more to consider. I plan to hit you up soon about mastering services (aka quality control 😉). Hope to work with you in the near future!

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear. Would love that! Please get in touch when ready. Very best, Justin

[@Silver6003]

I’m learning so much from your vids ..Not eq settings or attack and realise settings etc more Strategies to take into my mixes . 👍👍👍👍

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to here! That’s what I’m hear for. And that’s what the Mixing Breakthroughs course is all about if it’s ever if interest. Thanks for watching, and for the comment. -Justin

[@DerrickBigWalker]

This like all your videos was a big help! I'm heading over to my mix now but I might have to come back and watch this a few times to make sure I totally understand it.

[@cadranaline]

Great performance, the message got through very clear!

[@casscass-andra]

Love your channel and style Justin. Thank you!

[@HumanBeingWithFeelings]

Thanks Justin, great video as usual. I don't know if some people might find it unorthodox but compressing and limiting at different levels (track>Buss>Mix Buss) was one of the biggest game changers for me when mixing. Very easy to overdo but a huge improvement in consistency and tightness of the mix if you do find the sweet spot.

[@SonicScoop]

Absolutely! Something I definitely recommend for most genres. Thanks for weighing in. -Justin

[@dragonpride95]

Gold material, thank you!!!

[@SonicScoop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbierash2137]

SPOT ON JUSTIN!!! such valuable info on how to understand RATIOS.....LT/LR-HT/HR.....SOLID!!

[@mwintersteinsmith]

Awesome video. Very informative. Makes understanding compression ratios much easier to understand. Thank you for sharing 😎👍

[@SonicScoop]

Sweet! Good to hear, glad to be useful.

[@MrTimdriver]

Excellent video, thanks.

[@derikcorl3245]

Another great couple of lessons!

[@Truth565]

Great explanation. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@coldspacemusic]

Thanks for the knowledge! Always dropping gems 💎

[@SonicScoop]

Tryin! Thanks for tuning in.

[@Ereth]

Thank you are my big teacher 🙏🙏🙏

[@JameelDLS]

Thanks a lot. It's really helpful

[@soundofpatrick]

I've finally conceptualised it in my head - thank you!

[@Darksagan]

For me what worked was putting on a pair of good headphones and listening to the pushing and pulling of the sounds when I would change the ratio, attack and threshold. I am just now getting my ears use to hearing the differences through my monitors.

[@SonicScoop]

YES! That's exactly the thing to do.

[@proverbalizer]

Hmmm, a lot of ppl talk bad about mixing w headphones but certain details you can just hear better, like reverb, and I guess compression, and even appropriate level of bass if you don't have a sub or don't have a well treated room

[@KingKongovOtec]

Great Stuff as always.

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Excellent! Thanks

[@TheoVoidTV]

I’m really loving your podcast and your videos. I’ve been listening more to the podcast because I can do it at work. Then when i get home I’m all pumped and super motivated to start trying some new stuff out. Inspiration comes and goes but I’ve been super inspired since I’ve been listening your stuff everyday. I can’t believe it took me so long to find it. I’ve been writing , recording, arranging, mixing my own music for years. That said I’ve never been able to get my mixes to sound the way I want them to. I have tons of songs that are basically finished but just need mixed better (and mastered after that.) So I’m really trying to get better with mixing. Would you ever consider listening to a song and maybe critiquing it and pointing out where it could be improved? Either way. Thanks so much for the great information man. Keep it up. 🖤

[@SonicScoop]

So awesome to hear Theo! I do offer mix critiques for both mastering clients and coaching clients if that's useful to you. If you're interested in either you can always reach out to justin at sonicscoop. Hope that helps! -Justin

[@jon0830]

thanks Justin!

[@wiggesobk]

Very helpful!

[@popwa6977]

Good Job!!!

[@Baker-ZMB.]

This is good thank you sir 💪

[@Stanacturproducer]

Great one boss

[@gisselbean5662]

thank u so much!

[@payne9850]

so simple❤

[@audiosounddoctor5834]

Logical...thnx!

[@sergiocruz6416]

Great!

[@888Eldon]

Thx

[@MusicMan-tm6ps]

Agree! Great Video 👍 Yeah breaking rules can get you awesome results sometimes! > SOMETIMES

[@juanchis.investigadorsonoro]

Thanks for the video! Besides the transparent-notsotransparent. I also like to split them into "inserted" compression vs auxiliary compression or even use ratio as help for eqing that channel through compression without messing up the tone. :)

[@juanchis.investigadorsonoro]

Oh and sorry, but the MixHabits and Mastering101 pages don't seem to be working. I tried refreshing, internet switch, VPN off, but it doesn't seem to load. :(

[@SonicScoop]

You could have an ad blocker that is stopping the signup form from loading. That happens sometimes. Hope that helps!

[@jetdeleon]

Would you recommend a new mixer look at a visual representation of the sound wave to see what their compressor settings are doing to it?

[@mcsweet1966]

Correct me if I`m wrong but the way I see ratio is with fraction so with a ration of 2 only 1/2 of the sound will go thru a ration of 4 only 1/4 of the sound will go thru and so on

[@SonicScoop]

That’s right! Another good way of saying it.

[@whitemansucks]

I like low ratio based on harmonic waves. 1:3:1 on bass 1:6:1 mids 1:9:1 on highs. These are very low ratios that work with fast attacks. Be amazed at ratios under 2.

[@JohnnysaidWhat]

Austrian Audio gang rise UP!!!!!!

[@shelob12347]

Grey

[@SonicScoop]

You are right!

[@shreddedbylight]

@4:50

[@deafconmediaZA]

I think my ears are starting to understand whats going on. Thanks theory is important too.

[@nafawi7965]

Oc16?

[@zeswutz]

“You shall not pass” is from The Fellowship of the Ring, which means it was said by Gandalf the Grey, as Gandalf only becomes Gandalf the White in the second book, The Two Towers.

[@conanliquid]

Great news.

[@SonicScoop]

Thanks Dan!

[@shabazz4499]

I will add likes in the comment. like, like,like. they need another button.

[@lgr6124]

11:20 reminded me of immigration. You should not pass lol

[@aceventura5398]

To much reverb or delay in your voice makes hard work of clarifying your words. And you talk to fast sometimes.