How to Use a Compressor (Properly!)

[@EDMTips]

Check out my new compression tutorial! kzbin.info/www/bejne/paSYdX59qpKprNU

[@ashleygillespie9883]

This is the first time I’ve watched a video on compression and completely understood it. No more sticking a compressor on , just turning knobs and hoping for the best. Great video mate 👍🏽

[@EDMTips]

Awesome! Glad it helped :)

[@blueemberproductions]

This is the best explained compression video I've ever seen in my life and I've watched a ton. Way to be my dude! Keep it up.

[@EDMTips]

Awesome....thanks for the support, and glad to help!

[@ollivanajas]

Agreed, thanks a ton EDM Tips! 👌

[@ryandonaldson8403]

I agree - makes sense to me now! Thanks :)

[@sportsfreundberlin]

Agreed!!

[@DJVasC]

The way Will knows his stuff, presenting style, visualization of the examples, makes this a super useful tutorial. I learned so much from your channel. When I can find more time a definitely will follow a course of yours.

[@craste2000]

Yes this is the best video about how to use a compressor on KZbin, its clear, to the point and my mate Borat said "Its a very nice!" after I showed it him.

[@khaosofficial2715]

10 years of making music, not once have I truly understood compression, until now! Thank you!

[@nitinmistry6280]

I've seen so many videos on compression, and I have the Pro C2 but never knew how to use it until this video. I finally "got it"! You are a great teacher. Thank you so much!!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, Nitin, glad you found it helpful! 🙌🏻

[@SapMusiq]

I seen many compression tutorial in youtube but you are explain compression very well and tell any glue compressor for fl studio you are awesome man and you get a subscriber!!!!

[@EDMTips]

Thanks! I haven't used FL Studio, but the Waves SSL is always a good bet ;)

[@aksoofficial]

I second this opinion. Thanks a lot for the tutorial. 😉

[@EDMTips]

@root Yep :)

[@joseph_deane_]

The best compressor video i've seen. No BS musoisms. brilliant!

[@EDMTips]

Thank you, I am glad you liked it! 🙌🏻

[@Chris-pk9ec]

this video changed my producing life... i have been obsessed with "small amount of GR" formula.. and i see you make instrument very firm and static and clean by compressing damn hard like 20 GR and make up gain later... WOW... you don't know what you give to me... Thanx man.. Thanx..

[@EDMTips]

Glad to be of help, man!

[@KnoxvilleMX]

Great man, i have literally YEARS without understanding this but this video really clarified it. The examples helped A LOT. Thanks!

[@vermis6560]

Best video on compression out there.

[@EDMTips]

Thanks 👍

[@KaMui_AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs]

Finally, someone explained the essentials of a compressor in 13 minutes. And it's the first time where I can clearly say it was ON point. No dilly-dally, right to the point with perfect examples (and good music ;)). Thanks and much love from germany!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@KaMui_AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs]

@@EDMTips Hey mate, is there actually a final version of the song? It sounds awesome. I love especially the chord progression in 13:00

[@немоёнезнаю]

One of the BEST compression tutorial on KZbin. Thank You

[@MIxstarsOnline]

One of the best vids iVe seen on compression

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@theandroids]

Best compression video I've seen. Nice and SIMPLE.

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@One_of_Many750]

Dude, You Made Compression, And Overstanding It So Incredibly Fun To Learn!!! I Could Actually Hear The Differences, With Each Example You Displayed!!! Much Gratitude, Now I Can Begin Really Taming Peaks, And Getting My Sounds Fit And Sit More Comfortably In The Mix. THANK YOU KINDLY!!! 🔥🔥🔥☺️☺️☺️

[@ashleighjames9453]

That's a proper explanation. I didn't realize they could be used for so many thing's . I knew about peak fixing n glue but the exciting impressed me. Thank you.

[@Paul-gp5om]

One of, if not the best tutorial on compression I've seen. I think I'm finally getting a proper understanding!

[@yehudasatryamusic5535]

you have a VERY simple yet understandable way to explain compression.. and that's amazing, thankyou!!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@SeanT181167]

I didn't think you'd be able to explain much in under 14 minutes, but you did really well! Thanks for that. I've been struggling with the whole compression thing, and you've helped a lot. Namaste.

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, Sean...glad it helped :)

[@abishekraju4521]

Lmao what was that namaste for.....

[@Boomtrooper]

You have a gift for simple but comprehensive explanation - many thanks! Would be great to hear your thoughts on detailed use of reverb on various aspects of a mix...

[@EDMTips]

Thank Tim...I appreciate that! Good call, re: reverb. I'll get one done soon :)

[@jonmathis9206]

Best vid I’ve found on compression so far. Much appreciated 👊

[@tom_something]

Thank you for the helpful video! At 8:19, you're increasing the clip gain. This is further up the chain than the audio effects, so this seems to make the compressor "hear" a louder signal. I've tested this with Ableton's stock compressor. If I increase the clip gain, the compressor's gain reduction goes up higher, more frequently, even if I keep the threshold the same. The result, I think, is sort of a hybrid between reducing the compressor's threshold _and_ increasing the wet gain (makeup) at the same time. And that might be exactly what you want, sometimes, when fine-tuning compression. Because it brings up the lows linearly (+3dB is +3dB), while the peaks come up by a lesser amount as they cross the threshold. It's a less "spicy" makeup because it's not boosting _everything_ by the same factor. It's an interesting approach.

[@jammadamma]

Great video. Saved for reference!! Using the visual mode in FabFilter, and exporting the waves and comparing them, you really managed to make it understandable for me.

[@EDMTips]

Excellent! Glad to help :)

[@Asijantuntia]

Wow, I've watched numerous compression tutorials and this is the first one that explained you can use compression to enhance the transients by using a slow attack.

[@ap7390]

You havent watched many compressor tutorials then lol cuz thats one of the most basic functions

[@chitlun]

I’ve been producing my own stuff for years and spent time after time explaining compression to friends getting into producing. I don’t have to now thanks to you, I’ll just send them this! I’ll echo some of the other comments by saying this is easily one of the best, most succinct explanations I’ve come across on the subject. Top channel man, peace ✌️

[@AKAtAGG]

I'm gonna be honest: covid led me here and while i realise i am commenting on a two year old video i have watched almost everything you've uploaded. I been doing this long enough that I rarely learn anything (i do of course still learn SOME things, nobody knows everything) - but you're both a great teacher and a skilled producer and for that reason I don't care if i learn something, it's fun to see.

[@EDMTips]

Thank you for the kind words! :)

[@halcyonkleos670]

Without a doubt the best video on compression. Very clearly explained when and how to use it. Perfect! Thank you so much! Liked and Subscribed.

[@warrenturner2185]

The best video I have seen on compression, very clear explanation, cheers

[@MrMattias87]

best explanation on compression...thanks mate

[@EDMTips]

No problem 👍

[@Jdjwjdjzbsjwbb]

Been looking so long for a decent explanation of how compressor work and how to use them. This tutorial was amazing finally understand it thanks man you got yourself a new sub!

[@EDMTips]

Glad to help :)

[@jdstarek]

Great content, subbed. Your sidechain click vid sold me. Just downloaded the 30 tips PDF

[@EDMTips]

Cool! Hope you enjoy it :)

[@varunraghuvanshi3194]

Bestest video on compression.. Thank U.. Sir..❤👍

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@dennispower4163]

Brilliant video mate, really appreciate it 🔥🔥🔥

[@EDMTips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaduk6324]

Very good tutorial, if I can understand it then anyone can! Many thanks for making this 👍

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, glad it was helpful! 🙂🙌🏻 Anything else in particular you’re struggling with and would like me to cover on the channel?

[@djddub]

This cleared everything up for me, great video!

[@mikedubz5576]

dude you are great.you should teach people to produce you have a way to make people understand.

[@EDMTips]

Thank you!

[@RichardDenRooyen1973]

this is the first time i do understand how and why of compression 👏👏👏

[@conorcantrellmusic]

Such a great teacher!

[@EDMTips]

Thank you, Conor, I really appreciate it! 🙌🏻

[@belabay3625]

The best video about compression I’ve ever seen

[@EDMTips]

Awesome! Anything else you want help with?

[@Stacity]

We all like to get on with the music process but learning the tools of your trade is essential its very well explained so are the other tutorials.

[@EDMTips]

Glad you like :)

[@omarshihab4761]

Great tutorial/explanation!

[@EDMTips]

Thank you!

[@yaBoyRome]

great video and great explanation of compression.

[@claudelittle879]

By far...the best compressor video I’ve watched, excellent job.👊🏾🎉

[@EDMTips]

Wow, thanks!

[@fischfreek]

Beautifully explained

[@EDMTips]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@osmark86]

honestly one of the best channels I've come across for music productions.

[@EDMTips]

Thank you!

[@saddam.212]

Great mate, love your explanation!

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@lavrentiylavren1190]

Man this tutorial is awesome! Thank you so much !

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@AlanColonnetti]

Excellent...I am so glad I watched this....I can't wait to buy your Music Theory for EDM producers next month....

[@EDMTips]

Can't wait to see you in there! :)

[@bl4ckm4sk666]

you cleared everything when you told about the uses of compressor 🧡 new sub ..

[@EDMTips]

Welcome aboard :)

[@dannykurland3866]

I finally understand compression. Thanks!!!

[@isaacanthonydj4124]

do you have a video to show deeper compression idea, like parallel and side-chain and how to best implement them? Much appreciation Will!

[@EDMTips]

It's something that is on my list for future videos :)

[@karlaefem9549]

This changes everything! thanks a lot!

[@BobbyCrane]

You crushed this video. Thank you!

[@EDMTips]

Crushed or compressed? ;)

[@bronxho]

Thank you for a great explained video on how to use a compressor.

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@fldweeb5849]

Just found your channel, loving the content! someone who actually walks you through the functions of a plugin and why you need them.. also different scenarios for each one! It took me ages to figure out how a compressor worked when I first started :) good job man.

[@EDMTips]

Thanks very much!

[@frankiedubz214]

Great video and explanation. I am going through all of your videos mate! You rock!

[@EDMTips]

Glad you liked! Thank you ! :)

[@kvstles]

Great tutorial man. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!

[@therub2191]

good stuff, nice and clear info, thanks

[@EDMTips]

Thanks, and you're welcome :)

[@KARAMHYAT]

Lots of love from Pakistan. I am FL user. But this helped a lot. Especially when you say that the compressor fattens up the percussive stuff. Thanks a zillion.

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome :)

[@gralen111]

Another excellent video, thanks! 👍

[@EDMTips]

Thanks Dan!

[@ericwells7690]

Thank you for this tutorial Will! So helpful!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome! :)

[@itsgoubie]

This made me understand that compression is just a way to bring the volume up of the whole thing uniformly. I.e: it tames the spikes to make room for the rest of the clip

[@noodlespooner]

Great video Will! Finally figured out what that knee was for!

[@EDMTips]

Thanks! Glad to help :)

[@ultravice191]

LOVE your vids.

[@EDMTips]

Thank you!

[@MrJustinisack]

Thank you so much for your videos. Loving them.

[@EDMTips]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@froggychair]

Super useful video man, thanks.

[@EDMTips]

No worries! :)

[@Geedygeedy]

Ive been mixing a long time but this video made me subscribe.

[@EDMTips]

Cool...glad you liked it 😎

[@hehmda949]

best tutorial thanks a lot

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@davedrozario9096]

Thank you so so much for this awesome video.

[@EDMTips]

You're very welcome :)

[@akstreetracer1]

A Big salute to you!

[@EDMTips]

Right back at ya, man!

[@kristofersknesis]

very well made video, best one on compression i've found so far, thumbs up. question though - i work in hardware (elektron boxes) and i'm looking to acquire a compressor for live use, i'm thinking alesis 3630 - it will however compress all tracks universally, not each one separately. is that common practice or not?

[@EDMTips]

Only in the mastering process

[@thegreatjeffmac]

Good tips!

[@EDMTips]

Cheers!

[@ngongo89]

Wow, amazing video. Thank you for explaining it very clearly.

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@FrankowwYT]

Great info man thanks ❤

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome, glad it was helpful! 🙌🏻

[@uiato]

Absolutely superb tutorial. Tks!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@romeroo98]

Hey will! Your channel is awesome and easy to understand! Would you mind make a tutorial about Multiband Compressor and OTT?? And make a fat supersaw chords like anjuna beats,ilan bluestone,enhanced rec etc?? I hope you make this thx!

[@EDMTips]

YES! You're welcome :) And great ideas for vids. I'm on holiday for the next couple of weeks, but will definitely make these vids when I return. Thanks for the message!

[@blizzy78]

I wonder what the glue compressor does in Ableton, and why you would use it over the FabFilter compressor? Perhaps you can explain.

[@gripsdips]

Great and easy explanation!!!! Thx!!!

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@DJDanK211]

This was so helpful thank you!!!

[@EDMTips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Hamburg0]

Great Video!! thanks

[@EDMTips]

You're welcome!

[@PinkPineappleBeats]

Definitely gonna use this, gracias!

[@EDMTips]

De nada!

[@dhpark25]

that was freakin awesome thank you!

[@EDMTips]

Glad you liked it!

[@mikedubz5576]

i will follow your channel. maybe you can make some videos on how to start making a track from scratch on ableton. 10 years now i keep wanting to learn but it is so intimidating to me the whole computer thing. main idea is to take some midi ellements from a track and lay over the midi notes new sounding vst my idea is mainly using the bass riff segment of a track example ,fresh and so fresh by cool and the gang .

[@Clupea101]

Great Stuff

[@EDMTips]

Cheers!

[@S3DA_Music]

great video ad everything is well explained,, but i got a question! how do u know that u need to use a compressor?

[@EDMTips]

Hmmm...great question. Practise, I guess! But, realistically, if the sound doesn't have the dynamics you want, that would be the time. As a rule of thumb, though, most people over compress everything, especially when using sample packs that already have a load of compression applied to the samples. When compression is almost always needed to a degree is on live recorded stuff (vocals, guitar, etc.). Not a lot of help, I know, but something to consider!

[@evanmcgee6872]

Great explanation thanks

[@NathanielCruz]

Best tut

[@EDMTips]

Thanks :)

[@jonathanoates1972]

Hi, can you do a video on different parallel compression techniques. :-) in mastering. There are several different ways to set this via routing etc and I would like to know which is the best way. IE would you have the original soundbus sending to the master or just the two group chanels? I just can't to seem to work out which way is best. When ever i do perform the technique i get fairly good results but jus nit sure if it's right. I use cubase pro 10 by the way. Be great to hear your technique on this. Thanks :-)

[@EDMTips]

Well, there's no "right" way...just what gets you results :) What do you mean, the two group channels, though?

[@jonathanoates1972]

@@EDMTips well i've watched several videos now on this technique. Most create two group channels, one dry, one wet. So aprart from the the two group channels created you also have the volume from the main bus from which the original source is coming from. So does that come into play as well because effectivly there are three volumes going on. I've watched your how to master video and saw you paralleled a master mix using an effects rack in ableton. I don't think anything like that is in cubase. So i tried it with one group channel and applied compression to that then mixed to taste against the main dry channel. Also I noticed you master on the channel that the actual track is on, is that your master out in Ableton mixer or are mastering on directly on the that channel. Btw great channel with loads of helpful knowledge . Thanks! :-)

[@ginotarabotto]

Great tutorial! I really like your channel. Side question, do you set bass and kicks in mono when mixing? And is compressor and "glue compressor" two different things?

[@EDMTips]

Thanks! I set bass and kicks BELOW 130Hz to mono. Everything else above can be stereo. Compressor and Glue Compressor are both compressors, but they just have slightly different characteristics in how they process the signal. Check this out: www.reddit.com/r/ableton/comments/2ym9vt/purpose_of_the_glue_compressor/

[@bubonic06]

very helpful vid thanks!

[@EDMTips]

Glad it was helpful! Anything else you need help with?

[@paulwelding]

Those are extreme ratio settings, do you always slam down like that to fatten sounds and peaks?

[@alexpawson7282]

So helpful

[@EDMTips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nik.Vtopia]

Thanks dude ❤️

[@electricmoon5402]

Is it ideal to only match the input/output levels with makeup gain? Or are there instances where higher output is acceptable without distorting? I'm in the music production stage, creating my own kick and bassline samples. Adding compression to the samples. I'm utilizing gain staging, and may also need to compress in the mixing stage. I don't want to overcompress....

[@aritradasgupta8374]

Oh man. Thank you so much.

[@EDMTips]

No problem!

[@timrtfx]

But what's the difference between a regular compressor and a glue compressor ?

[@seranes_silence]

I still don't understand how to use compressors without it taking up a lot more db room.. after using the compressor my kick sounds a lot thinner and worse if it's at the same db level as before. I can see the same going on in the example (even though i can't read the exact peak db). what's the point in using a compressor if it essentially just makes it louder without making it sound better?

[@andreasgeorgiou3198]

Does it matter if your clipping in your compressor?

[@EDMTips]

Yeah, you want to avoid clipping

[@ptunesbeats]

I just subscribed You are AWESOME 👍

[@EDMTips]

Thanks!