Vocal Compression How To - Behringer X32

Vocal compression is one thing I get a lot of questions about. In this video I talk through vocal compression and how to dial in the Compression Ratio, Threshold, Knee, Attack Time, Hold Time, Release Time and Makeup Gain.
Learn more about the X32 Fundamentals Course at course.drewbrashler.com.
Become a member and help support me and my channel: / drewbrashler
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:28 Example Audio Pre Compression
01:11 Introducing Compression
03:05 Compression Threshold
03:50 Compression Ratio
05:24 Compression Knee
06:37 Compressor Attack
07:21 Compression Hold
08:16 Compression Release
08:41 Initial Settings for a Compressor
09:09 Setting Compression Attack Time
12:30 Setting Compression Release Time
15:14 Setting Compression Ratio
17:28 Setting Compression Threshold
18:51 Setting Compression Make-up Gain
20:57 Listening to Pre and Post Compression
22:32 Adding compression to Vocal 2
24:22 Listing to both vocals pre and post compression
27:19 Be Careful of Feedback
28:13 Final Thoughts on Compression

[@kidsaloneband]

My first thought was whoa, 10:1 ?!? But the key is the KNEE! By setting it to 3 (as you've done) and adjusting the threshold properly, essentially the compression is mostly in the 3:1 / 4:1 range, and the 10:1 kicks in only with the strongest peaks. Very important that the threshold is set properly with each singer as you've done here. A great video featuring settings that will absolutely benefit most singers as most don't have great dynamics control and/or mic technique.

[@matthewlyon8886]

This is awesome. Please keep doing these types of videos. Thank you for all of your work!

[@DrewBrashler]

Thank you, Matthew!

[@dennisparker635]

Drew is the best. I just wish he and others would put a numerical value on adjustments instead of saying “I’ll set this here or I’ll move this down a little or I like this right here”. I know none of this is set in stone but at least it have an audible reference as to a starting point. Thank you for all you do in teaching sound technics.

[@thedirtyviceband]

Song is now stuck in my head.

[@mickeymiguel2726]

Flawless explanation of compression ,great job DB

[@DrewBrashler]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate it, Mickey.

[@eravau]

Thank you for this great explanation of how to use compression. I kind of got thrown into some of the sound mixing for church and really need this kind of knownledge in my toolbox.

[@JacobraRecords]

Attack time is not a delay before compression kicks in. Gain reduction happens as soon as the audio passes the threshold. The attack time is the amount of time it takes for the compressor to reach full gain reduction (based of the ratio). It acts like a fade in. Same with release.

[@MehmetCeyhan-Art]

Can't wait to next video. Thank you

[@ploveman]

Great video! Prompted me to go learn how to do a virtual sound check and look forward to working on better compression for our worship service.

[@grantlockie1097]

Very Good tutorial I teach this to all my students as a starting point so they understand the process I also at a later point in my teaching i delve deeper into compression and show how it can be your friend or worst enemy if used incorrectly . cheers

[@tom7666]

great detailed explanation as always, thanks!

[@EqDior]

Very nice tutorial Drew. Even though I'm using a lot of different boards its nice seeing someone else's approach.

[@josephglassman9844]

I am new to the X32 Rack and using it with DBX Venue 360. It is amazing and we are using it in our rock band for shows. Your videos and information has helped me tremendouly to be a bass player and soundman at the same time. Thank You brother. :)

[@newmeutube1]

Another great tutorial Drew. Thank you 🙏

[@TheVoice010]

Great Detailed Explanation of Compression! This is a GREAT Help. Ill Definitely be using this method at my next Rehearsal Session!

[@DrewBrashler]

Thank you so much

[@StevenJonessoundman]

I know the X32 & the M32 have the same software but most videos teaches on the X32. I wish there were more teachings using the M32.

[@FreeAmericans]

Great video! Excellent explanations and examples!!

[@muzicant8283]

I've just bought a midas m32r live and it has no manual where to speak about these. I know is considered to know these when you buy a mixer but I think they should have included in the box a cd with your videos to make the things clear for everybody. People want to know and learn about what they buy. Thank you for your very good, detailed and pointed explanations. I find the videos very useful, they took me out from a big dark box and please keep going with them for us. I could not find these precious informations on other channels. All the best! Thank you!

[@johnnyvlee]

This is a great guideline. That said, it's more the process for mixing a recording. A live show situation uses the same concepts, but it's more unpredictable.

[@ericchang7759]

Very thorough intro to compression.

[@original_pokey8896]

Very awesome video. Really practical. I will have to go back and write notes. Great explanation and examples.

[@DrewBrashler]

Awesome, thank you!

[@evgheniim]

Wonderful!

[@nanisaniana3835]

Loved this video.

[@user-me3pb6vf7j]

Спасибо большое! Все просто и доступно!

[@sophiarodriguez1861]

YOU'RE THE BEST!!!! 😍

[@lelcecc4793]

thanks Drew, your videos are really helpful👍👍👍

[@DrewBrashler]

Happy to help

[@stevenson4516]

Please do the same in live environment where lot of challenges will be.what you have done now is in acoustically treated room.

[@andredemattia3604]

Thank you for the videos

[@timsuperparkers]

Thank you, Drew. These are excellent videos and very helpful with mixing at church. I would be interested to hear if you apply gating/expansion to your vocals along with any tips. Thanks again

[@DrewBrashler]

I do apply gating to my vocals and I'll go through that in a future video soon! Thanks!

[@adnewwolde7031]

Thakyou your expretion is so clear

[@enigmascharm7573]

Drew! Love the videos brother but I need a lesson on what you have on your Assignables buttons and encoders to control your virtual soundcheck playback. I love the functionality of the Assignable buttons but I'm sure I have more to learn.

[@paulmorrey733]

Thanks Drew

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

Really glad I stumbled across this channel even though I primarily mix on a Soundcraft console (not my choice…). This video felt concise and articulate without using too many $5 words AND thoroughly explained every move logically.

[@DrewBrashler]

Thanks so much! Glad you watched it!

[@user-io1lb6yq2f]

Thank you very much sir. You are the best.❤❤❤

[@jp1parkin]

Love your videos! Could you do a tutorial for reverb on the x32? Really struggling to the the reverb right in the room

[@fabiensevere286]

Very good video God bless you for this

[@sulemanmuyomba3524]

Nice

[@EddieRdz0590]

Hi Drew, thanks for all the info through these years is very very helpful. Is there a way that you can share some of your live worship multitrack for practising on the Virtual Soundcheck?

[@ixtapavangogh]

Hi Drew, thanks for these videos. Question: How do you deal with vocalists who change what they're doing from show to show? Sorry if this is too general but this video made me think of it. Thanks!

[@m.enesyesilyurt5319]

Hello from Türkiye. You're really great teacher Drew, I just want to said that. Thank you!!

[@oliveiradavigustavo]

Hey Drew thanks for the amazing content, you're hleping the Kingdom all around the world, like me here in Brazil. I'd like to ask to you, how long do you take to setup the X32 on a normal sunday service? In my case, I have little over an hour to setup up all the band, eq, check their IEM, etc...do you have any recommendations for quick and practical sunday services setups? Thanks a lot!!

[@davidswanson238]

Love your videos. Do you have any on recording your mix to play back later to make adjustments. Thanks

[@gordonwillis3848]

Hey Drew, I have been enjoying your videos. Are you going to do one on stacking compressors? I would like to see how you set it up. Thanks

[@wardyrb]

Hey Drew, I am learning a lot. As the production director at our church, I am glad you are here. I don't always have our full worship team available. So do you have a video that walks through how to record a multi track and playback virtual recording through the X32 to make these adjustments. I am not sure how to do or what is needed. Thank you, sir.

[@simplyputviewstv5655]

Your critical listening abilities are 100% on point💯👊

[@spay8143]

Could you make a video for instrumentel compression. In which you feature the Filt Freq?

[@romannicolaevich3374]

Hi Drew! Tell me how to use several compressors in sequence on vocals in x32 Behringer! Thanks!

[@brianmickelson4642]

Drew, this is a great video… I love your explanation of compression and it’s a good refresher from my tech classes in college. I’m curious about how you set up the assignable controls to control playback though. If I remember correctly, you’re playing back from the SD card for these tracks, yeah? Is there a way to control Reaper playback with these controls?

[@99Barnyard]

I would like to know this also

[@brianmickelson4642]

@@99Barnyard I haven’t completely finished the setup yet, nor am I in front of my console, but I’ve had some success with configuring the push buttons using the Remote options. I first had to setup the remote option config for Mackie MCU, setup Card MIDI I believe and added the Behringer X-32 as a control surface in Reaper. I’m still messing with it, but this got me running a bit. I can Play, Stop, FF, and RW so far. I’ll post more as I can

[@jonathanadams3096]

Hey drew, thanks for the contain again and question on how to tell the threshold which frequency or portion of the audio to compress.

[@stefandragan2805]

Great video thank you for the information! I did not understand the makeup gain (or whatever it was called). If the compresser only compresses the sounds that is over the threshold, then the sound that is under the threshold will remain unchanged, right? Why to we need to add gain?

[@paulhoffman175]

Explain how using the auto function for attack an release can help

[@jasonalexander5253]

Hi Drew, another excellently explained video. I have a question that is a bit off topic; when I send my drums to a stereo buss on the x32 they show as clipping on that buss, but I have the gains fairly low on the individual drum channels. Am I using the wrong buss settings perhaps ? Thank you -Jason

[@TimothyCross]

HI Drew, You're so relatable. I have been trying to find information on how to best mix an electric drum set. I'm so use to acoustic and mics. Now how do I get that sound to a live room from electric? Thanks, Tim

[@muzicant8283]

If you could do a video about faders, master fader and the volumes, peaks, levels of recording as when I finish to record on a usb my mix is not loud enough (even in my headphones is very loud) and my master volume is nearly to the maximum, about how loud should be as I use to post songs on youtube and they are not loud enough, about diferences between faders volumes and gains, if they means the same; about the faders positions when we set a gain, If you could speak around this subject I would apreciate this. Thank you very much.

[@richarddblythe]

Awesome video Drew! You're a engineering genius! I'm trying to create a Vocal buss that is sidechained into my soundtrack channel compressor. Our group has no FOH engineer and I'm wanting automate music ducking on intros and instrumental sections. I've programmed automation from Ableton but the sidechain signal is not affected by mute or volume (the only midi automation available with X32). Any ideas on how to affect the signal going into the sidechain?

[@adoniusridley8705]

Can you tell me the best way to connect an external mic preamp to the X32.

[@80hertzaudio17]

The video is amazing I'd sincerely love to request for the multitrack

[@DrewBrashler]

Thank you! I'm not authorized to share this file, but I'm working on getting something together that I can share in the future.

[@davidhunt6508]

@@DrewBrashler Yes it would be neat if you had a multitrack file that was public domain shareable, and if you could also share a scene(Idk if that's possible) so that individuals could mix along with you and see in real time how different changes affected sound, without having to inconvenience the band during practice. Or maybe this could be part of a paid virtual seminar you offer, and because it's paid that would allow(compensate) you to purchase the rights to use a particular song/arrangement.

[@sn0rbaard]

Hi Drew, when would you lower mix from 100% as I assume this would be similar to parallel compression and create a more natural, pleasing compressing effect that makes vocals sound fuller.

[@arielsantiago774]

Can you do a vocal eq with a Sennhierser Xsw 1-825 handheld microphone

[@danielfmyers]

Do you prefer to pair the 1176 insert or La2a insert in combination with the channel strip comp for staged compression on vocals?

[@stanleygeidel6690]

the feedback from make up gain is unique. fast and high frequency. obviously when i encounter that i back off the make up gain. could anybody offer suggestions on taming it

[@ladorateurdudieuvivantadon9138]

Good

[@thomsibomsi]

are the multitrack available for practise purpose? Would be great to have the same vocals to experiment with

[@Kingdom0324]

Hey Drew, thanks for all the videos. Im trying to understand the outputs better so... here's the question. You mentioned that there's only 2 compressions available (channel dynamics and fx insert). Does that mean if you have a vocal subgroup, you can have 4 compressors? Would you want to use all 4?

[@DrewBrashler]

Yes the Channel would have the compressor and an FX insert, and if you then sent that to a mixbus (subgroup) then you would have the mixbus compressor and the mixbus FX insert. I will typically mix with subgroups and add some more global compression of the groups if I have the space for it. If I am mixing monitors from the FOH desk, there typically is not enough mixbusses to do everything. But if I don't have to worry about monitors, I will set up a Drum GRP, Parallel Drum GRP, Bass GRP, Guitar GRP, Keys GRP, Tracks GRP, Vocal GRP and sometimes a Parallel Vocal GRP. Hopefully this helps!

[@rogerroger7734]

How are you sampling sound bytes?

[@jesica1098]

How do I apply like a echo on a vocal

[@shakmwanse8717]

How are you playing and pausing the music from the soft keys on the board?

[@88omarz]

Does compression affect in ear monitors ? Similarly gate?

[@isuzui515]

We have the soundboard and we have a live stream, once changes are done to the main vocal channel how would you apply it to the livestream channel? Or is it automatic?

[@rogerandchristianbrown5553]

Hi Drew, we do a number of festivals and are curious how do we cable and route using two x32’s and two dl32’s? Are goal is to use one dl32 for the headliner and the other dl32 for all the opening acts. I’ve searched here on KZbin but have not had any luck.

[@justus9694]

As AES50 on the X32 family (or in general?) is still only able to get 48 channels per cable and direction, you would need to use both AES50 A and B ports on the FOH X32, each for one of the two stageboxes (so run two separate CAT cables from FOH to the stageboxes). Then use scenes to switch between the two stageboxes (inputs AES50A 1-32 vs AES50B 1-32). If you then want to use a second X32 (for monitor mixing?), this also has to connect to each stagebox separately, so again use two CAT cables from the 2nd X32 to the stageboxes. For each stagebox, the console that plugs into the AES50 A port of the stagebox has control over the gains, the 2nd console that plugs into the B port only has a digital trim. You can decide, which console to give this control to (FOH or monitor X32). I'd highly recommend to do a test before though, I haven't had this setup yet and can't guarantee for everything to work.

[@Tom-kp2lv]

Drew! Thanks so much for all of your vids, I've learned so much from you. This may seem like a dumb quetion, but you are using a recording of the band for all of your testing/experimentation and explanations. But how do you make that recording?

[@DrewBrashler]

Hey Tom! Yes, I am using a multi-track recording that I loaded into my X-Live card on a SD card. I have a blog post at drewbrashler.com/2017/behringer-x-live/ that talks about the X-Live card, how to install and use it. Check it out if you are interested! I'm using the user section on the right side of the board to launch play at markers that I set in the audio tracks, that way I can repeat the same section for you all. Hope this helps!

[@Tom-kp2lv]

@@DrewBrashler Awesome, thanks! I'll check it out. On a seperate note, whats the secret to great punchy drums? In particular kick? Is it gating along with other things? Did you already ( or are you planning to) do a vid on that? Thanks again for so generously sharing your knowledge!

[@Tom-kp2lv]

Also, it the X-Live card compatible with the X32 rack, and can those markers be set using the X32 edit app?

[@vick2258]

Hello Drew I have a question how are you able to play what the band recorded and eq that mix?

[@benmak2363]

Thank you for this content. Sir while doing live sound, do you compress the outputs (FOH and Monitors)?

[@DrewBrashler]

Yes I do compress the FOH output a little bit. For monitors, I typically don't compress as this could increase the chance of feedback for floor monitors. If I am mixing a monitor console, I will typically place a limiter on every output just before the point that it would go into clipping on the IEM transmitter, but that is getting into more advanced techniques.

[@benmak2363]

@@DrewBrashler Thank you very much sir.

[@garyw308wilson3]

What are you playing your audio from?

[@manydreams1life315]

Nice job. Where’d the in depth video? One for drums?

[@TheFendertak]

Excellent tutorial on compression, you see that's my main goal, you said at the end to get your vocal to shine through the mix with the band, compression, where do I start, I just bought the new Mackie pro16fx V3 mixer along with my 9 series RCF's 935a's and for subs I was I two minds of either going for the behringer Subs B1800xp or the B1500xp , glad I went with 15's Excellent sub and ease to carry ok the 18s may push a little extra air but not worth talking about, I'm told the 15s are just as good if not better, correct here if I'm wrong, the mackie desk has a one knob compression, is this just a selling gimmick or do it actually do something to a vocal, I am no told if I want really top class vocal, go purchase the Behringer Producer x32 or the compact, same thing, one man band playing backing tracks, electric guitar and ketron audya 5 and korg m1 and my vocal mic is the beyerdynamic M88tg love this mic, a bit bassy but if really has great throw in it and makes my vocal cut through the mix, do you think I would benefit hugely on stage with the behringer producer, there seems to be a lot to learn, compression is tricky process, but my sound tech mates gave said set this once and and save maybe a little tweak but the sound will amaze me coming out of the behringer, if I want vocal clarity this is the way forward especially with the top end RCF's I have, So what's your view on all this, please help, please advise me here and thanks, I have subscribed and will watch your amazing tutorials to learn the magic of sound creations.. 🙏

[@DrewBrashler]

Thanks for reaching out Martin! I would agree with your mates in that the Behringer X32 would be an improvement over the analog console. You have more functionality with the X32 with having compression on every channel, different reverbs, delays, and modeling of classic compressors or eq's. You also have the ability to save and recall mixes, and mix from an iPad/Tablet remotely away from the console. Hope this helps!

[@niloyjana0314]

Hi Drew- I have a question. In one of the recent live performances, I had some trouble handling high notes of the vocalist. At her high notes my turbo sound speakers were producing cracking noise. I used subtractive EQ ( High and High mid) to control it ( from 5db to 2.5DB gain reduction ) at the offending frequencies but vocalist complained about her vocal quality going down due to the above. Can this be handled better using compression or any other way? Any inputs, recommendations will be highly appreciated. Thank you

[@dj_snej]

I really would recommend to change the loudspeakers... The new LD Systems Maui 28 G3 or Maui 44 G2 are absolutely stunning. I recently had a Rockband played by these with my x32... I got lots of compliments about my mix, but the main reason were the really amazing new speakers... 😃😉

[@perfectlygoodslouch5212]

Hi Drew great info, you should use a bit of compression on your headset mic. LOL

[@Playd0w]

"I can see your light, chasing after me...."

[@fakryboy]

Is anything wrong if you do compression on the channel , then have parallel compression on the buses (also for some of channel), and also do compression on the main LR channel for all of them combined?

[@DrewBrashler]

No there is nothing wrong with that. The only thing you have to be careful of when doing parallel compression is making sure you keep the latency all the same. If you use an effect of the console on one of the parallel busses, you would need to put the same effect on the other buss to keep the latency the same. If you are using the built in compressors of the mixbusses without using the effects rack, there is nothing to worry about as the timing would be the same. More compressors doing less compression individually is more transparent than one compressor doing all of the work.

[@fakryboy]

@@DrewBrashler Thanks you! I watch your video about parallel compression, latency, phase issues and everything about that, so I aware about that problem.

[@Michaelson100]

Drew, as always, thank you for all that you do. You are a blessing to so many and such a great teacher. How are you controlling playback through your console? I never see you go to your computer to stop, play or repeat.

[@justus9694]

He's using a Behringer X-LIVE or similar, a extension card which allows for recording and playing back 32 channels onto/from a SD card

[@joshuasilva8557]

1) Do you EQ before or after Comp? 2) what song is this?

[@RonDeLorenzo]

Also, I just found it on Spotify - CCV Music - Desert Sessions - Good to Me

[@joshuasilva8557]

Thanks

[@RealAlphaDrum]

knee is important and I don't think people use it as necessary. Seems they tend to skip over it, especially with vocals

[@rudyr.brookssr225]

Drew, I have added several comments and questions. Which I still need. Help with. I'm will be losing our members and out online members will decline because our sound system is failing. How much will it cost to have you come out and set up our system this week

[@DrewBrashler]

Hey Rudy, I just sent you a message. Thanks for reaching out.

[@ECSmAn30]

What is the name of this song?

[@pjlira]

At my church, sound people are afraid to use a compressor on microphones because they think it will only amplify bleeding. What do you think about that?

[@original_pokey8896]

Tell them to watch this video

[@DrewBrashler]

That is a bummer! They technically are correct that a compressor will increase bleed, but typically the benefits of having compression will outweigh the issue of bleed. Bleed on a stage is a real issue and the use of correct stage positions or items like Shy Baffles can help minimize it. For instance, don't put the softest singer in front of the drum set.

[@pjlira]

@@DrewBrashler Thank you for your reply and for the tips! I guess they will need to hear it working to believe...

[@AllenPendleton]

@@original_pokey8896 Sounds like they need a real sound engineer.

[@nmawutor6636]

Is it possible to share the multitrack file...? maybe without the vocal if that'll be an issue...🙏

[@DrewBrashler]

Hey! I don't have the authorization to share this file, but I'm working on something that I'll be able to share in the future.

[@nbulls28]

Good video. But a 10:1 ratio on a vocal in my opinion is a bid much. I like to keep it moderate. A 4:1 ratio would work nice. 10:1 ratio makes the vocal sound very compress. In. My opinion they don't sound so agresive. I would use those settings if I was dealing with a heavy metal band. But is a good explanation on how to dial it and hearing what compression does. Cheers.

[@DrewBrashler]

Heavy Metal Band = Most Christian Churches. HAH! Thanks so much man.

[@kidsaloneband]

I thought the very same thing, however you've missed a very important aspect... knee! The setting of the knee to 3 means the compression ramps up, and based on where you set the compression threshold, you are essentially getting the 3 to 4:1 compression you're after with the added bonus of 10:1 for those really strong peaks.

[@the-joe-biden]

I can see your light chasing out to me

[@fueyou]

100:1? You’re frickin’ nuts….

[@bassplayinggoalie]

Nothing worse than a transient to the eyeball

[@officialorionhunter2710]

😂😂 this made me laugh out loud

[@issaccartwright736]

Drinking game - Take a shot every time he says "go ahead" Appreciate the free content but I'm having trouble seeing.

[@DrewBrashler]

I'll 'go ahead' and work on that! lol

[@FMI_TheMixEngineEar]

10:1 ratio ? woah .. on this vocal i would just put 5:1 because as what im hearing now the vocal is kinda scooped and sounded kinda sucked-in/ and a lil compressed already must be the preamp gain/mic/singer miking technique or how it was equed , just leave the mids and just cut that low end and low mids and let it cut through the mix. live sound, to much compression and expansion is hazardous . must be acoustically aware.

[@DrewBrashler]

Appreciate your thoughts! Thanks for watching.

[@FMI_TheMixEngineEar]

thank you to you for doing all these informative videos. really appreciate it. the industry needs engineers like you. sharing knowledge. thank you. 🥰

[@wallyrodriguez2230]

Thank you, great information, but it's disconcerting to see you look to your side all the time. Maybe invest on a teleprompter. Just a suggestion...

[@DrewBrashler]

Hey Wally! Totally understand what you are feeling about me looking to the side. I actually have a lazy eye, so my left eye is always looking to the side. But I do have my multiview on the left side of me, so I'm looking over there every now and then to make sure my head isn't in the way of the top video shot. Glad you thought the video was helpful!

[@chuckfriebe843]

The backing vocal is out of tune.

[@paulmanoogian7646]

Was thinking the same thing! Next video ... how to apply auto-tune to background vocals😂

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@paulmanoogian7646 LOL!