All About Audio Compression Ratios - Into The Lair #81

In the 81st Into The Lair, Dave Pensado of Pensado's Place goes over everything you ever wanted to know about compression ratios (3:1, 4:1, 20:1 etc) and when and why to use specific ones in your mixes.
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[@Synth2000]

The service that Dave has been doing for the audio community is huge. Awesome person and definitely forward thinker.

[@MoghulVeyron]

I love how confused Dave gets at parts during his explanation haha, cos it really can get that confusing when talking about ratio's! Great tutorial!

[@WillieMCruz]

Moghul Veyron simple mathematics

[@ElyJaffeMusic]

You can't not love Dave Pensado. Thanks for this!!

[@SamadhiStudios]

Steven Bakunin *very slow claps*

[@SamadhiStudios]

Steven Bakunin the advice is free. Shut up and listen.

[@uniquehouse892]

@Steven Bakunin He spends his time taking notes, to try and give us the best information possible for free, not getting the best audio possible for the video, he has already proven he can by working on some of the BIGGEST SONGS OF ALL TIME, which you haven't been remotely close to accomplishing; so shut your mouth and talk about something you know about! This is a perfect example of a hater who is clearly envious of Dave's status...

[@briant8871]

8 years later and this is still one of the best explanations of compression I've seen

[@christopherduval327]

Dave, I can't thank you enough for sharing so much of your insight in these videos. Even though I understand comp ratios, I never really stopped to think through what you just so eloquently explained; how to think about the effect of different compression ratios to various source material. Now I completely understand why my results sometimes don't work out as expected. I can't wait to apply these ideas on my next mix. Really great stuff, and thanks again for being so generous with your knowledge!

[@rvalenta4]

Yeah I watched it with my in-ear headphones and the vocals almost blew me through the roof.

[@garygoggin]

What a great guy.I think Dave Pensado and Graham from "The Recording Revolution" are two of the best online resources for mix engineers of any experience level.

[@watsonsmicrocomputers9297]

Gary Goggin Graham? That's like saying salt and water are two of the best hydrating substances you can find. Or night and day are the best parts of the day. Graham of course being salt, and them both being at times polarized by Graham's propensity to take shortcuts and say things are unnecessary that Dave goes great lengths to explains and constantly shows he uses.

[@ryanblackgolf]

Dave thank you so much for taking out the time to do this for us. It really does help out a lot!

[@MrMusicfan007]

I love how he said "You guys can do some work too" haha :P

[@tomlarson4405]

It's funny that on a video about audio compression that there is such a wide disparity in volume between the speaking and the music track. I had to constantly turn the volume up and down to get through this. Ironic...

[@politicsequalsgarbag]

I was thinking the same thing, lol.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

I was listening with headphones and got trough pretty well.

[@Hexspa]

+Tom Larson It's by design. He's letting you experiment with manual compression to drive the point home.

[@whyaskmenoely25]

Riding the fader so to say hahaha

[@thevisi0naryy]

+whyaskmenoely25 lmao

[@Gettin_chunky]

These videos are awesome. Please never stop making them

[@artao5]

Dude, you've got AWESOME videos, and you do a great job of explaining things. I've been making music for years, but never bothered with mixing/mastering .. largely because I didn't understand it. You're really helping me understand it, and I'm totally hearing the difference in my tracks. ... I'm watching other vid sources too, but yours are some of The Best!! Thank you! =]

[@anguswrench]

thanks so much for these videos man. still helpful 4 years later to someone that is trying to delve further into production and engineering!

[@nicktheninja222]

Great video, but did anyone else have a heart attack the first time he played he hit play?

[@PRSOne]

Reverend Eslam I don't think he has the time to do the audio for the show, I'm pretty sure someone else does.

[@experimentalelectronica5016]

High level approach.. modelling the intentionality of the lyrics with compression. You are the 6th Beatle ; )

[@SIEVEPAT]

To Dave Pensado i'v only been watching your videos for two days now. I am greatly inspired to one day reach your level of experience. Thank you so much for your lessons. You should teach at a tech school if your not already doing so.

[@codiewaldvogel3046]

Thank you so much for taking your time to do all these tutorials Dave, your the best!!

[@DStixx1]

Wow! So many things to think about in this ITL. Fantastic as always! Also, it would be really cool to see Dave kind of take us through a tour of his home studio!

[@davejohnsonmusic]

Though hip hop & pop isn't really my thing, just listening to how a pro operates, thinks and uses his tools is just so invaluable. What a cool cat!! Thanks Dave. Get some sleep

[@trashhumper]

I love Dave, he's so god damn chill! Not to mention a genius

[@DJeMo]

Love your insight sir and it's a lil privilege for us to get a snippet of the production encyclopedia that is your brain, keep them coming, much luv from Northern Ireland

[@LoganMartinsChannel]

Finally! Been waiting for these to come back!

[@Ayokalyb]

I heard your mic move from point A to point B at the start of the video. It sounded like panning. Lol.

[@sandythomas2665]

Really appreciate your videos Dave. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!!

[@CrunchsWorld]

thank you i was struggling with compression for a while, but it finally clicked after watching this video

[@jimimaze]

DAVE! Love your videos. I'm watching every single one. My mixing has exploded because of your wisdom. Thank you. I gotta ask though, we aren't you mixing you're own mic? A closer mic with some bass roll-off. A little 2.5:1 compression and a limiter at the top. And a volume that matches your examples... Your examples are way loud! Anyways, I luv ya dude. I hope to meet you face-to-face one day.

[@approachableactive]

Only one professional full time world class , and highly sought after engineer producer in this discussion and he's giving the lecture. I'm going with his advice and being grateful for it!

[@SupernovaSun77]

If you complain about any of his videos stop watching then. He is a certified pro who gives us gems. He doesn’t have to do this. I would appreciate if you quit with the thumbs down and the unnecessary comments about a master engineer. He’s very generous for allowing us access to his mental vault.

[@TheRavenCrowes]

Thanks for doing these series of videos....

[@chopituprecords3004]

Hahaha..explaining compression ratio is alil tricky...I been watching you for years love your videos, keep up the great tutorials... Much respect

[@WDNFSandbox]

Great as always. The thing about Dave is he makes me feel like I can do it just as easy...even though I can't.....

[@andybusuttil818]

Good on you Dave. A kind and generous tutorial.

[@rickspyder1]

Yes Great video....this is how to use compressors...to create energy and control it at the same time...instruments and vocals in great mixs sound uncompressed even though they really are...Dave demonstrated it very clearly and the energy is something that few beginning engineers think about while only watching meters

[@AlexCBrandon]

Useful info and Dave imparts gold that he doesn't have to. But do my ears deceive? Audio starts panned hard right and slowly moves to center? :) Bless the "hey guys, I'm not perfect. No one is.." aspect of Pensado's Place.

[@Wolfie99]

Cheers Dave. Informative and encouraging as usual.

[@c0m3tom3mami]

True there's so much to learn and experience!!!

[@mrtrixterathotmail]

I know Dave.., It's hard to explain with world, right? But I got it.... Love you for doing what you are doing for the community!

[@esongsore]

This is called 'teaching'...such a knowledgeable and yet humble dude

[@HOUSTONPSYCHO]

Thank you for this great video friend. Just bought softubes native VC bundle and dbx 160 from waves cheers.

[@brycesalvatore8581]

You're the man Dave, awesome lesson, thanks so much!

[@jarrydee2799]

wow, as long as I have been using compressors by ear, I finally GET the ratio better. Low ratio can bring UP the lower stuff and make the higher stuff tame. When you take the threshold higher, it starts to even the whole thing out into one dynamic range...I can picture small and capital letters all starting to become capital letters as the ratio is increased...or i'm just retarded,,,lol anyway..thanks Dave!

[@ShawnChristmas]

well explained! this has always been really confusing to me

[@joshuachan9531]

This cleared up alot for me! Thank You

[@derekadair5320]

Thanks dave. when i'm finally famous and on pensado's place i'll reference this comment; you really illuminated compression for me.

[@JohnxLenard]

Awesome. Love your videos

[@nostalgiavault1526]

I love my 160 XT, specifically on kick and rap vox, and dave makes me appreciate it more!

[@bhargavdobhal5327]

Thank You Mr. Dave Pensado 🙌🙌Ver Helpful Video🔥🔥.

[@KayMuller]

I feel like a person that finds Pensado's found something that will weather. I have never met Dave but I like Dave.Thanks again KPM

[@TheVarietyGroup]

everytime i hear his voice like this, i want to blame the videographer because Dave is an excellent engineer lol

[@Jbdoster]

Dave, you're the best.

[@joeyxl3456]

you're great Dave. thanks so much.

[@bentravis9383]

Amazing. Informative and encouraging, thank you.

[@JBWebadas]

This was actually a good ratio & threshold tutorial for beginners

[@EmilianoCaballeroFraccaroli]

As always, brilliant!!

[@JemileDancer]

thank you Dave and the Gang this is a great tutorial .....i've again learned a lot here

[@jarcau_vegan]

Thank you, Dave 👌🍀

[@AJMILITIA]

Excellent teacher.

[@Thysta]

These are the important things about compression and not to always get the newest fanciest plugin. Great videos Dave thank you!

[@drafeirha]

i never really understood ratio on compressors. now i do, thanks for that!

[@coreyward7237]

Cleared alot up for me m8 safe. And I will be using a compressor for live performances (dj'ing) . Can you tell me if the input volume into the compressors threshold needs to sit at or just under 0db or can be anywhere without effecting quality

[@politicsequalsgarbag]

I've just begun working with compressors but so far I haven't seen any that offer a threshold above 0db, only below.

[@jtpinnyc]

I like to think of ratio as gravity and threshold as the ground. Any signal above the threshold is pulled back down to earth (the threshold) by gravity (the ratio). The higher the ratio, the stronger the gravity.

[@BasariStudios]

Actually in reality is different, the higher the gravity is weaker.

[@quanathan]

+Basari Studios TV shutup

[@LearntoLovetheWord]

+jnyc That's a good analogy... so if I'm following, 2:1 would be like jumping on the moon. 3:1 jumping on earth, 8:1 jumping on Jupiter...

[@jeroenfigee]

Stillwell-audio made MajorTom, which was modelled after the DBX160. I love that compressor. They are the company that made Rocket & vibe-eq.

[@michaelsolano8733]

Bravo sir, fantastic explanation!

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

I had a major breakthrough in mixing, and thought I would share it with everyone. I did live mixing back in the 80's, and have played as a musician in a few bands. I got back into mixing/recording around the year 2,000. Enough background, now onto the really simple mixing template that can get you into a great mix quickly. Place a compressor on all tracks, and have them all set to a 2:1 ratio... turn the threshold down while the track is in solo mode, pay attention to the 'feel' or 'vibe' of the track as you turn your compression ratio down. Do this to all tracks. place a second compressor on the final L/R output, and make sure it is set to limit, brick wall, at the last 1dB before clipping. Now start mixing. You may end up with something completely different (more or equivalent compression) as this, but this start point mixing template will have you experiencing a good mix quickly. Once you have something that sounds relatively decent, and you are about 30 minutes into the mix, render that mix. A really important vibe will be captured, and you can use this as reference when you're into your 3rd, or 4th hour of mixing.

[@artemfedotov4209]

+Tim Kasey I would use 1-2 db mix buss compression as a template, but not further. Because, as for me, not all tracks need compression at all.

[@TimKaseyMythHealer]

Artem Fedotov I made that comment January 19th, 2015. Truth be told, I (as well as others) need to include the way the tracks were recorded. I didn't have an opportunity to add any compression during the tracking process, and this should have been stated. Most pro mixing engineers are going to receive tracks that have been compressed, and that is why they barely need any compression while mixing.

[@ikbuhguhphonk]

"Anyway, look it up! You guys gotta do some work, too!" - Apart being a funny thing to say in such a video, this is probably the best advice one could get anyway- go and do it. Lol. I like his mind.

[@Barefoot67]

thanks Dave, you're the man!

[@metalzone2000]

man, thank you for this vid! I always have a really hard understanding exactly how a comp works. I think you gave quite a bit more info into the situation.

[@39PlYR]

Great Video!

[@chrisbanks6506]

Audio in the beginning of the video is coming out my right speaker only. I also heard the engineer click something that stereo'd the audio mix of this video soon after. What happened there?

[@mechanismtrance]

awesome explanation I really learned something here. Thank you :)

[@superdertie]

don't worry, son, I am. that's why i was here. you keep worrying about the levels on youtube tutorials it's a big help to us all

[@modali7685]

Awesome video Dave, but I have to know - was the surprise volume a real world demonstration on why compression is important?

[@franciscomoralesmusic]

How come such a genius like Pensado can be so funny....!!!! for a moment made me think... mmm are you sure? jajaja! but I know... You are the Best! Bless!

[@bloodaid]

great video.

[@eric_erock434]

great video! still helpful

[@Michael-vd2tv]

when talking about effects order, what do you mean by infront or behind. i know the difference i just dont know the signal order

[@nigelalker5386]

Hi, great help on compression. I have just bought the api bundle from Waves and digging the 2500 comp. 1. In the video you say to try and maybe put the eq before the comp, so I`m thinking do you mean to just put an eq on the initial track / insert and aux bus my 2500 comp {is this called a stem ?}.2. I put most effects like eq, comp, vol etc on aux busses via aux sends and getting my mix sounding better, however is this correct {as I know it frees up cpu etc}, basically I use initial track inserts for virtual instruments like iris2 / Ez drummer. Correct ?3. Regards to the api 2500 comp I first put it on an insert and it was clipping so learnt routing / aux sends - busses and the 2500 works so much better along with the 550a / 550b & 560, however I am trying to place the 2500 on my master track {to glue the overall mix} but have to place the 2500 on the master track insert {causing clipping ??}, can not see how to route the master on a bus.I use pro tools 12, any help would be greatly appreciated as I getting mixed up and your advice is so much more better than others. Thanks again, regards, Nige / uk.

[@fielnixein]

+Nigel Alker Hi, usually you want to put your EQ and Compresoor directly on your tracks as insert effects. Because than they affect the whole audio of the given track. By routing your track to an AUX with a Comp your doing something called parallel compression. You're compressing a copy of your track and blending it in with the original one. Nothing wrong with this technic but it has a completely diferent result! Normally you would use this to maintain the original dynamics of lets say a drum kit, and enhance room sound and the body of the drums by blending in a heavily compressed copy. It is a good idea to use EQ before compression to cut the frequencies you don't like before they can affect the way the compressor works. So if you have for example a bass you would put in an EQ as an insert cut the stuff you don'tl like and than put in a compressor as an insert to control the dynamics of a bass. Of course the same is true for setting up an AUX with compression. Set the EQ on the same track as the compressor and cut what you dont like. As for the clipping, I think you're problem is that the compressor applies to much make up gain and your driving your tracks too hot. How much headroom do you have before inserting the API and how is the make up gain set up. Maybe try to turn off the automatic make up and set this by hand and look if it helps.

[@JonnyWinston]

Dave, dave, dave.....Awesome guy . Character

[@TheCluelessAF]

If you guys compiled all "into the lair" episodes together ... You gonna get a great 3-4 hour lecture video of bit and pieces regarding all you need to know about audio mastering ... For those enthusiasts or beginners, this is a real source of your research and a great start to improve your skill further. If you are pro, well stuff that Dave said will teach you a thing or two even more. :)

[@kevwritemeasong]

Thanks for the more in depth explanation! :)

[@jonnyidle]

@radioloud I recommend you record some automation with the channel volume fader first and get the general volume to sound even that way, then you can send the output if that channel to a bus (group) and put the compression and other effects on that. It is very useful for fine tuning odd words that may be a little too quietly recorded too

[@danjohnson29]

Dave. Many thanks, I can really hear the energy leak out of that vocal. Is that the ratio or just too much compression? Would you get the same effect with lowering the threshold? I suppose what I'm struggling with is when to use higher settings for threshold and ratio to get say 3-4db and when to use a lower ratio and lower threshold. I have difficulty separating the two in my ears and in my head.

[@Garjames1]

Thank you for this vid. Im quite new to this and am struggling with understanding compression.. yhis made it a bit easier :-)

[@SanctuarySound]

Dave is awesome!! "Infinity to 1, or is it 1 to infinity? Well look it up, you guys gotta do some work yourselves" He is in my top 3 fav engineers.

[@trashhumper]

Also, what an epic chair you got there man! ;)

[@victorcoyenn]

Thank you!

[@CA000000000]

The ITL's are Dave's break from mixing ;-) Great video Dave as always...Many Thanks :)

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

What does it mean if you have a compressor that has a setting of "infinity". - I mean... When I've tried that it doesn't really seem just like a brickwall limiter but just a very intense compression. - For example, the API2500 has it, but I rarely use that kind of setting because it's just too jumpy and slams the level down so much that it makes the sound really "small".

[@flexsolar9359]

Wow it took my 2 year to get this down but yes the rule of put in an EQ before the compressor, for the simple fact of the environment hose the Peaks where the recording is happening so tame those environmental Peaks are priority for more direct sound

[@Sound8VisionVibe]

So it was that simple huh....wow! thanks man!

[@Boutbeats]

very nice!

[@grannypotproduction]

hey dave question can you show us how you rout your vocal to all your channel and what are of the fx you use

[@CHILL3435]

hello sir really great inputs. I've noticed that when I finish my song it doesn't sound as loud as an industry produced song would sound like. it sounds good but it doesn't sound loud. when I try to boost the gain levels I start to peak. do you think you can make a very comprehensive video on mastering and mixing. that might be the reason why I don't get the output that I want. I checked my meters on all my tracks and they are all on greens but the output level is extremely loud. I just don't get why that happens?

[@AhmedShata]

+RLJSings If you want Loudness you should use a Limiter, A heavy compressor makes your track loud without clipping. It's a tool that uses the same concept of a compressor but with fixed Ratio (very high ratio) and it kicks in when adjusting the "Threshold". The other parameter which is "Ceiling" ( "Output" in some limiters) is basically the point that your peaks will not exceed (usually u set this to -0.1 db) This way you got your track louder without clipping.

[@CHILL3435]

Ahmed Shata should I add a limiter on every track or just on the master track?

[@AhmedShata]

+RLJSings I'll put it on the master in this case.

[@reverendgroove]

OK, but if I have compressor with high or infinite ratio and fast attack time, it will behave as a limiter? Would peaks still get let through? I understand the use of a compressor is quite different to a limiter, you would typically set the threshold of a compressor lower than 0db for instance. I would go to a limiter as final step in mastering chain. But what aspect of the algorithm is different besides ratio & time variants?

[@petercutler3136]

Thank you sir

[@jackieeethepwner]

You're my favourite man

[@aarona.dubzperson8245]

GENIUS.... SHEER GENIUS!!!!

[@D1rtyraver]

4:30 woke up all my neighbours. Is there an app that enables a volume limiter on Apple Safari browser audio?

[@tamirke74]

Thank you.

[@reverendgroove]

That make sense to me, different applications would require fundamental differences in design. Thanks