Mastering Your Compressor: Attack & Release Settings | SonicScoop.com

[@dannyp7546]

You know why there's so few comments and views? Because in our industry this is the percentage of people that actually want to learn something and have the patience to do so. And we thank you for taking time out of your day to share your knowledge sir

[@LKV089]

+Danny P everybody throws a standart comp on everything without understanding it and want to make the next Martin garrix animals game changer or sth :D but as u said, nearly no one is digging for Videos like this to study shit

[@whatshendrix]

That's evidently not so. Look at all the videos made on the topic and most of them have tens of thousands of views.

[@deltagolf2219]

right, I am a newby, and the last half year I learn so mutch from this kind of video. Thanks Justin, now I understand compleatly what the knobs do on a compressor and can make my own sound. wath I want in stead of see wat is comming from it.

[@chrisgrenon3461]

he is very effective at communicating the physical propertys of sound

[@TheOblivionMemeGuy]

Good, less actual competition. I'm not complaining, the best thing that ever happened to this industry was netflix and recreational pot.

[@keikorono3079]

1:18 Threshold 1:28 Ratio 2:07 Attack & Release 2:44 4:48 Slower Attack & Example 3:39 5:27 Faster Attack & Example 6:24 7:51 Faster Release & Example 7:15 8:28 Slower Release & Example 10:15 Recommendations 11:32 Setting Release 13:21 Stacked compressors 15:04 When to Release

[@godofrainbows]

Awesome! Thanks for making the time stamp links!

[@jakobschuetz2395]

@@godofrainbows ok

[@grimzenith]

Not all heros wear capes

[@Blazin-yk4kz]

This guy is amazing, he's explaining like I'm 5 without being patronising, what a legend, thankyou so much man! Definitely the best tutor on KZbin, big up sonicscoop ✌🏼️😎💯🐲

[@DaBronx_Bomber]

I had him as a professor a couple years ago. Just randomly clicked on the KZbin channel and noticed him. I was like "wait a minute, I know this guy!". :)

[@JustinColletti]

Hey, thanks so much for the kind words! We've got more great free videos coming every week. And if you're interested in some premium stuff, I just launched my first-ever video course TODAY. Check it out! Maybe you'll like it: mixingbreakthroughs.com/

[@deltagolf2219]

one of the best for shore. so crear and understandeble tnx tnx tnx

[@sevchyk]

The best tutor is Michael White on KZbin. Compared to the level of his information on mixing and stereo placement of instruments, this big eyed asshole just fades into oblivion with his lullabies for 5-year olds…

[@benja303]

Compressor Controls: Attack: How quickly compressor kicks in Release: How quickly compressor releases Ratio: How much it compresses by Threshold: When it kicks in *Envelope* You can manipulate the envelope of the sound by using attack and release. You want to set it to recover before the next bit hit. 1. Attack ----------------------------- A) *Slow Attack* With a slow attack you are letting the initial impact through and then clamping down after. This can make things sound very lively. Very Giant. E.g. Bruno Mars Uptown Fuck Lots of initial impact but consistent dynamics still B) *Fast Attack* Fast attack will squash transient, make things sound further back if exaggerated. Can also give a "proccessed sheen" E.g. of fast attack song: Maroon 5 shit 2. Release ----------------------------- A) Fast Release: More aggresive Sound, More gritty sound. Initial sustain brought up. If exaggerated youll get pumping e.g. Flaming Lips - Race for the Prize B) Slow Release: Stuff can feel further away although you can suck the life out of the initial impact and flat and boring if you don;t set it to recover before the next hit. e.g. Beatles She said She said (fast attack slow release) How to Approach Compression ------------------------- Ask yourself. If you had to have more attack or less attack which would you choose? If More attack: Set attack all the way slow and then ease back until you find a good compromise where you are letting things through but still getting control. If Less Attack: Start with attack all the way fast and pull it back til you are letting a bit of transient through or just pull it all the way back if you are after full smoothness

[@petergreen1869]

Many thanks. The clearest explanation I've heard on the art of using a compressor.

[@janscott602]

This guy revolutionized my mixes. He's the real deal. No one else is as clear and simple.

[@chiefindisguise]

One of the most comprehensive explanation of compression in all of KZbin

[@chrisgrenon3461]

today i can say this has been the most educational compression video i have watched. Revelations

[@malcolmpalm]

I would like to echo all the glowing comments here Justin. I'll just add another thank you for taking the time to create this extremely helpful and informative tutorial. I can remember as a little guy around 9 or 10, first starting to play the drums and listening to "She Said She Said" on my record player. I was always intrigued by the sound of Ringo's drums, but never really realized what I was listening to. Thanks for revealing the mystery.

[@hedgehog_fox]

This is the best compression tutorial I have seen on KZbin. The examples you mentioned really helped! Thank you very much!

[@Vestu]

One of the best takes on compression attack & release ever. I've bought several, sometimes expensive courses online and sometime's they are just "I really like this super expensive and rarely used waves plugin, it gives a cool color to the sound" and that's it.

[@ereiffman]

As someone who's struggled with identifying compression for years, and someone who's been obsessed with the Beatles' She Said She Said for years, this helped me a lot. Never even paid conscious attention to those "blooming cymbals", but for all I know it could've played a big part in my loving the song!

[@jaybarls]

Love that you explain systematically, *why* we use certain settings and how to listen out for them. Too many seem to glance over this or just give random ballpark compression settings - which usually contradict what someone else is recommending. So much better to know how to think about it, to make our own mix decisions and do it with intention. Thanks again

[@gphillimo]

Man i think this is the best explanation of attack, release, and threshold I've ever seen. It has made me understand things a lot easier. I will watch this a few more times and then put it all into practice. I wanna mix and master my own music

[@Freaky_mix]

2024....I'm here to listen to Justin😊😊

[@SonicScoop]

I'm glad to have you listening! -Justin

[@seanmcaleavy2369]

That was super informative and clear. I have been struggling with compressors for awhile and finaly somebody explains it in a way I understand. Nice job. Thanks.

[@PeaceAndRyett]

This guy is awesome! Best explanation on compression I've seen in my 7 years of production. He also has a great set of videos on sound proofing and acoustic treatment!

[@SeanMacdonald_CodeMonk]

Excellent explanations and examples. Without knowing the title, I immediately new the Flaming Lips song based on the description of the sound.

[@oddchung]

The best compressor tutorial on KZbin EVER! Thank you so much!

[@perry801]

I appreciate you taking the time to explain this often misunderstood aspect of recording and mixing. I particularly like the "stacking compressors" idea.

[@ThomasMurray7]

I've been using compressors for a decade now, and I'm just now starting to really grasp how to set a multiband compressor/limiter. And videos like this are very helpful, thanks so much

[@JordanPool13]

Omg you have no idea how relieved I was when I heard him say that many people in music have no clue with compressors. I thought I was the only one that can barely hear the difference in many changes.

[@hockeyman2274]

I'm a beginner guitar player and wanted to learn about the controls on a compressor pedal. This seemed to fit the bill, it was well explained by someone who obviously knows what he's talking about. Thank you

[@criddycriddy]

The best compression explanation I have ever watched, and I have watched a lot, thank you for a relaxed and well paced lesson, all your stuff is brilliant.

[@danjwalker]

I've watched a ton of compression tutorials as it's the one thing I still struggle with and you came at it from an angle I haven't seen yet. Very appreciative.

[@Mr.NoisyOfficial]

There isn't a better video on the internet talking about compression! Dope!

[@rishibawa]

FINALLY someone explains this in simple and practical terms!! Please do more of these

[@DavidCarterVideos]

One of the best explanations on how to use compression I've come across on youtube to date, and I've watched a LOT of them. Many don't fully explain the effects of attack and release with examples of how they were used on certain popular releases. It's true that many aspiring engineers (like myself) take a long time before fully understanding compression. I feel like I'm a little closer now.

[@ΠέτροςΑρβανιτίδης]

After 4 months of producing I found a video I really need

[@FitzYouStudios]

Most Clear explanation on youtube, no extra talk ! Love it! You are great.

[@imagaskabo]

terminology used couldnt be any more perfect thank you i have such a better understanding now

[@sidneyevans216]

I was starting to get comfortable with compression and then I came along this video. You now have a loyal subscriber and bc of you it all makes sense now. I appreciate that.

[@dropsphere]

Thank you very much. Have been seeking out many videos over the years... Many great and enlightening. What i enjoy about you is the fact that you are speaking to us... No screen capture. I find I process the information quicker and actually retain it. When there I a lot of voice over the screen shots, I find that I have to keep rewinding.Peace,Chris Sahlin

[@iainmackenzieUK]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much. Prior to this vid I could only find the technical descriptions regarding attack and release and this is pretty straight forward. What your video did was to bring that to life , give practical examples and answer my questions about using compressors to 'shape' music. (Not only to adjust the sound levels; as described in other sources). Now I got homework to do ! As in: practicing the skills based on your suggestions. Really appreciate your time and enthusiasm on this topic. Best wishes

[@christinathomastaylor]

OMG the best explanation of attack and release I have ever heard. Now I get it! Thank you!

[@SonicScoop]

So awesome to hear Christina! -Justin

[@AlldeLucas]

Finally a easy to understand with real music examples about compression.

[@brascotheband9718]

A big thank you, Justin. You just helped me get the best out of my Cali76 CD. I've been looking for this Telecaster tone for years now; both lively and fattened with a softer attack. I'd already figured out I needed parallel compression, but your trick with the very fast attack was the last peace of the puzzle. The very best to you, Peter.

[@thedrunkenfish5855]

Best video I have ever seen demonstrating really what a compressor is at its core !!!

[@johnnycdiaz]

I started backing off my attack and overall having a more cautious approach with the threshold & attack relationship after watching this. Good work!

[@ALWTunes]

Attack and release were always the biggest mystery about compression to me. Thanks for the info!

[@mhpreach]

The best compressors I ever used as an Engineer at WMC FM100 in Memphis were the UREI LA3 & 4. All the PDs that came in would want loudness. Wanted to be the loudest on the dial. One said he wanted someone turning the dial to stop on 99.7 because it was loud and present. Always a big challenge. We had certain songs we used in setting processing. On country music we used Milsap or Crystal Gayle. A lot of movement in those songs. Loved Optimod on Country music.

[@mthomas1091]

Subscribed after 1.5 of your videos. Great approach to explaining things. Direct with real world examples for context. Thank you.

[@alansalomon]

Best compressor explanation ive seen so far. In the pocket, tnx

[@kevinr7216]

Omg...thank you...for your whole channel...youre the FIRST person who im actually consistently LEARNING from. THANK YOU I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL lol

[@codyperkinsmusic]

I love you. Best teacher on KZbin!!

[@rasmus.paulson]

This video is the first one i actually understood about compression. Thank you for all the musical aspects too!

[@nezronmusic]

OMG.. I've never heard the compressor being explained in such detail.. This is just perfect! I understand it so much better now and how to achieve the necessary results.. Thank you so much. This is perfect!

[@footspoops]

HOLLY CRAP THIS HAS been the best tutorial on compression I have seen. this really gives me insight on why, what, and where to use the setting on my compressors.

[@thegoodgeneral]

Love this guy's tips so much, but another to note is how his voice and speech manner triggers ASMR.

[@elmarkeweloh1484]

This is so true.

[@infinaneek]

Justin! You are the best presenter! Great voice!

[@aelibeats]

Excellent explanation! Thank you so much for this. This is by far the most informative video about compressors I've ever watched.

[@joeloretto]

Your energy crazy bro is like I’m looking at my waveform in my screen talking to me telling me shift release me this muchhh.

[@JustinNathanielAdams]

This is a GREAT video!! The way you explain things make a LOT of sense! Thanks so much :)

[@theOGmangoboy]

thank you for making this video! it is clear that you truly want to share information and i appreciate your clear and unpretentious delivery ✌

[@TheirIAre]

I just purchased your mixing and compression courses. Super excited to learn. :)

[@SonicScoop]

So awesome to hear, Michael! So glad to have you in the course, and so glad to have you as a member. -Justin

[@imyurblessn77]

I really enjoyed this very detailed video as I'm a beginner trying to succeed in this journey

[@natewilliams2426]

How do you know where to set your threshold? You have the Best videos on compression online imo

[@corrda1993]

Your hand motions really help me understand compression.

[@markdilley3918]

This was a really useful, detailed and clear explanation. Thank-you.

[@Nullhocheins]

DUDE! This is incredibly good, helpful and clear... Thanks a ton for this video! Gonna watch all the others tomorrow. Love, J

[@billguitarvin]

Wow, what a well put together video! You did a great job of describing what slow vs fast attack and release sound like, which is hard to explain I too have been using compressors for years, but never knew any theory on setting them up or thinking about what sound I was going after. As someone else said in a post, you got me excited to go nerd out with a compressor and trying to understand more about it. You have a nice warm vibe and really enjoyed your teaching style. Keep up the great work! Oh, and yes, I subscribed and looking forward to checking more of your videos out.

[@nosay2930]

Brilliant video. Get a pan a paper ready and take notes. I've leant a lot from Justin's videos and I've been doing this stuff for over 35 years.

[@deltagolf2219]

ha than I am the lucky one that find this video quick as newby. dit any one notest how easy to understand Justin is. I have hearing problems moost of the teatchers are not easy to follow. they talk quick and use technical words with out explaning wath it means. Justin speaks relax easy to follow and gif by every technical word direc the explenation. that's teatching

[@Nogieeee]

Excellent explanation, great and effective approach towards explaining the topic.

[@matouskolator40]

Thanks man, this really helped. I wanted to make a really broken and aggressive sound, but I had no idea how to deal with the compressor settings.

[@horacio_llegolamiel3758]

it's very inspiring how much passion you put into this man, thanks.. I barely can't hear compression BUT I could get some of what you say in the example songs you mentioned.. great tutorial

[@jerrycraftproductions581]

Best information on compressors yet. Thanks!

[@tonyojala4159]

This was incredibly useful information and definitely agree on the comments that this is the best youtube video about compressors!

[@simona_lf]

Thanks a lot for explaining this concept and topic in such simple terms. I've watched quite a lot of videos but they just ramble on and digress from the topic. You covered everything in 1 video plus you give examples. Quality stuff. Thanks again.

[@LukeDespain]

Awesome, well taught - looking forward to watching more of your videos!

[@BRBWaffles]

This is the best method I've ever come up with for understanding exactly what a compressor is doing. Pump pink noise through an external side-chain capable compressor. Have your side-chain detection track something really punchy like a kick and snare loop. Turn the fader on the loop track all the way down (don't mute it). Now, play the loop and you'll literally be able to hear exactly what the compressor is doing to the audio clear as day.

[@matthiaskrause1155]

Great video, thanks a lot! What I liked best were the sample songs you mentioned to illustrate the fast and slow attack and release times. What a great, fun, and entertaining way to illustrate these things.

[@DeCoste08]

already convinced after one minute to watch the full video! big uuup

[@SayItAintTso]

If you’re indecisive about your release time, take the number 60,000 and divide it by the tempo of your track. Set the release knob to the closest number-I usually go slightly faster.

[@daiselol]

I love this video, the examples you gave were fantastic

[@DizzeeBeats]

Finally someone who make sense when talking compressor settings

[@doziermuzic]

Thank You I understand compressor settings much better now.

[@greysongladney4403]

thank you so much! finally someone who actually explains it thoroughly!

[@MegaJJ2013]

Justin, I liked the way you went about discussing what to bear in mind attack and release times. What are your thoughts on attack & release times in a live radio broadcast application where the only "instrument" is your voice? I would want very clear articulation with some punch to "get through." Note, I am talking about live short-wave radio (not AM or FM but single side-band - SSB) where your bandwidth is rather limited. Sure would appreciate your thoughts! Cheers, JJ

[@vg99]

Thank you for giving such a detailed and informative video on compression. Very clear. Thank you for sharing

[@a-gnosis]

Thanks, Ron Livingston. Great video.

[@polarbear7577]

Even if you understand compression, this video explains new ways to think about using it properly

[@zacharywilson965]

Very Stimulating. Thank you so much for posting!

[@tonyatkinson4496]

You're a terrific teacher.

[@frederickthorne2496]

My ear isn't honed extremely well, but I love listening to Zero 7, and listening to them introduced me to Sia Furlor, and I enjoy her solo stuff. I have noticed a huge difference in the way the two different productions' mixes 'hit'. It seems the Zero 7 'breathes' more and Sia's most current solo pop albums are big sounding but not alot of pumping or breathing. FWIW. Cheers!

[@adityamaanas9470]

Would love to know your thoughts on compressing with a fast attack to gain consistency across the recording and also the sheen you spoke about, and then using a transient processor to recover that lost impact and front end. Great video!

[@OpiumZA]

You're very good at explaining things, thanks for these vids

[@culain6633]

This is excellent teaching. Much appreciated.

[@dezinerAhmad]

Justin You are so much to the Point and Guess what with EXAMPLES...... Awesome man... That was great thing to share .... I know all about the compressor but I don't know what to hear for and what get out of it... Now I think I will have ground to PRACTICE..... Thanks...

[@dezinerAhmad]

One of the Best Video I watched On the Compressor.......

[@JustinColletti]

Thanks for the kind words +MD Ahmad! We've got more great free videos coming every week. And if you're interested in some premium stuff, I just launched my first-ever video course TODAY. Check it out! Maybe you'll like it: mixingbreakthroughs.com/

[@musicguypodcast6825]

There is a good program that quizzes you on this stuff. It comes with a book Audio Production and Critical Listening. Its has settings to work on attack, release and all the separately. You can upload your own sounds for it to quiz you on. Its very cool.

[@AgustinDavidF]

Very nice explanation of a not so clear subject. Thanks a lot

[@T07N]

This is the most useful compression video i've ever watched. The examples used are spot on. We can finally start understanding some of this stuff without taking years of mistakes. I just tried these techniques in my own track. HOly shit. I was able to hear the snare/clap punch through the mix with just adjusting the attack/release. Gaining only 0.10dB but the snare/clap sounds much more present.

[@JakeSharpProfoundStudio]

Very nice explanation, Justin! Thanks!

[@beyondlegend23]

dope video man. learned alot, you are a good teacher.

[@rfml]

God damn! It was a perfect video. Your way of explaining, the examples, everything was spot-on. Definitely one of the best tutorial videos I've ever watched on any subject. It shows that you love what you do and you're very good at it. Thanks a lot!

[@stevecollins5228]

FINALLY.. Some practical advice. Bless ya sir

[@stevecollins5228]

For real you made me really happy

[@kingdizzydotcom]

cool. yess !! i have found that there is always a sweet spot for each adjustment on a compressor where it sounds nice. : )

[@mjcantstop]

Really useful knowledge here, thank you for taking the time sir!

[@danielplainview2584]

Fantastic video. Makes my life so much easier, thank you.

[@tenpoets5708]

very glad to have found this channel! great work

[@scatsman84]

Amazing explanation!! Thank you wholeheartedly! Thank you! One of the best explanations on Compressors!!!