Young Guru's Essentials of Audio Mixing: How to Use Compression

[@beeisbad]

I've been a producer for a loooong time, and have worked in some of the most renowned studios (Power Station, Quad, Electric lady, Sigma, Green Street, SONY, etc.) with some of the best engineers in the game. In fact, I am directly responsible for promoting Tony Mazerati from assistant engineer to ENGINEER (at Sigma Sound). And I gotta say... this is the ABSOLUTE BEST tutorial on compression "simplified" I have EVER heard and seen! Salute to this young bro!! Excellent!... F'kn Excellent!

[@tvd-theremedy2515]

Man, I'd pay ANYTHING to just come sit in the studio for a day, and watch somebody like Guru just do what he does. I can't even imagine how much you could learn from just watching every little move, and hearing what the results are.

[@SkyFelixMusic]

Go become an intern at a studio

[@nickmay1933]

Skyler Felix there's no studios in my area

[@RalphLBaer]

Anything???

[@DjDrew08]

Id do that with baby face he's a legend

[@DjDrew08]

​@@SkyFelixMusici need to do that

[@dopeduwanaa3659]

This is better than school. I'm an Audio Engineer major

[@inkisthename]

Same here

[@wishwashstudios437]

Same

[@jaydevinexo]

That's crazy I self taught myself how to audio engineer I'm sure people that went to school would look at my mixes and say I'm doing certain things wrong however I guarantee my mixes sound better than most people that went to school for audio engineering thanks to people like guru lol

[@IIIJDubsIII]

@@jaydevinexo Mixing is all about feel no doubt its how you like it

[@Macck0]

He's in Sae institute, as you can see from the logo on the door, and they teach it like this

[@00invinceable00]

He explained this better than most of the hundreds of videos I’ve seen online.

[@aricsinger10]

This is probably the best audio engineering explanation I have ever watched. Keep these tutorials coming.

[@inflowencial]

This guy is a legend. He knows his production. Gangster, white, asian accented, or jamaican, who cares. I understand everything Young Guru is saying here which has helped me to understand compression more. Forget how the speech comes out and base your judgement off of the lesson he has given us. If you feel his information is invalid then leave a comment. Why even say, " glad he wasn't a gangbanger." it is unnecessary. And for those getting mad at the guy, its a personal assumption from what he has seen in the past. Should you be called ignorant for trying to act polite when your natural tone is raspy and "hood," NO. But the ignorant will try to brand ignorance on non ignorant people. Have a good day, and good luck mixing music World. #Peace

[@jimmyhooks]

Did anyone actually say these things about Guru? Lol

[@maydntplay123]

Sounds like those are bias you are trying to work through

[@trevorknox4097]

finally a guy who is very well informed, lays it out in a logical and easy to understand way - and USES A BADASS MUSICAL EXAMPLE.

[@neuromonkey]

Holy moley. I can't tell you how many explanations and technical descriptions of I've read, and how many hours I've spent messing around with various hardware and software compressors. Thank you, thank you for your clear and lucid explanation. There are so few people who are great at their craft who are also great teachers. I really appreciate your taking the time to make this.

[@SS17MUSIC]

Just like everyone else is saying this was a fantastic explanation of compression. Great job Guru and thank you!

[@caleblatreille8224]

came more as a fan of Young Guru than feeling like i needed another tutorial on compression but this was honestly the best quick explanation i've ever heard. thanks for putting this together and will def check the rest!

[@Tioleles]

I've watched tons of videos about compression because i have never really understood it, but this, in 60 seconds beat them all, GREAT explanation, suscribed

[@langhilau]

I applauded this young man's ability to take very complex subject and explain it in a way even a pure novice can understand. More and more ham radio operators are using mixers and compression with their microphones in an effort to have the best audio and to tailor the audio so it can be heard through atmospheric noise. He has a great future in the recording industry.

[@cparksaffluent]

+Kevin Elliott He has a great past lol

[@mlaws11291]

+Kevin Elliott Dog he did like most of Jay-Z's albums after 1999, he did Kanye's early albums in addition to many others. Look him up, Young Guru is a living legend.

[@langhilau]

I apologize for not knowing this gentleman's rep but, being a rather old and dusty white person I may not have any of his work in my library of LPs. I have taken the time to read a bit about Mr. Young Guru's bio and far be from me to applaud his work, when it appears most of the population below 30 already know of him. Now if I could get him to come over and help me set the compression on my microphone which by the way are older than he is. Mr. E

[@gsantoro2690]

in hip hop is is one of the best out there with over 20 maybe 25 years of experience working with top teir rappers mainly getting started with jayz and sculpting jayz sounds. he probably also learned and pick out trips from the best and I wouldn't doubt that he schooled Kanye West on a couple of tips (hopefully Keynes ego didn't get in the way and he walked out learning something instead of having a pissing contest with you guys guru)

[@snowdjagha]

I stopped reading when you said "young man". He's been a legend in the hip hop world for about 2 decades!

[@tcbritt10]

Finally! Someone who actually explains it for others and doesn't just demo a video. Good job! Great info!

[@mistaish]

He explained this in the most simplest and logical way possible.

[@the1songwriter]

This is THE BEST explination of compression I have ever come across. What can't others delineate it in this way? Many, many thanks, Young Guru.

[@Bembesito]

Love the way you explain things. Best vid on this I've seen! Will be watching all of them. Thanx brother !

[@evorlando710]

I Just paused the video at 1:56 to comment and say that this guy explained compressor the way it was supposed to! Damn. I feel like I lost a year of my life because of the other tutorials. Still grateful for each and one of them.

[@griffinmusicinc]

The simplest explanation on the subject of compression I've ever heard. Thanks, bro! My mixing skills have gone from novice to advanced in under ten minutes.

[@dannymcneal]

You kept my attention throughout your entire presentation-bravo! While this is a technical subject, so many other presenters keep the level overly technical, without saying, “So what does that mean?” Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@volcomstoned876]

I play guitar and build guitar pedals, but seriously your allowing me to record my works of art with grace and to do the effects justice and for that I need to thank you

[@MOBBLORDS]

I was finding mixing all a bit overwhelming and confusing until I watched this. Great explanation!

[@tayloreverard9706]

This is the most clear and coherent explaination oh a compressor on the internet.. I'm convinced. Good job guys.

[@dvsn23]

Cool video, I understood the basic idea of compression but this shed a little more light on it, without being too overly technical.

[@CPtheCreator]

He did a phenomenal job. I agree totally ...

[@aaessedai3450]

FINALLY!!! Someone who can explain engineering in english!! Great Tutorial!!!! Please make more!!!

[@EqDior]

Guru's engineering wisdom is out of this world!

[@jamiegallacher6378]

This young guru fella, explains the tech without sending our brains to mush. The best and easiest to understand video I've seen yet. Good work and thank you for sharing YG. :)

[@completebeats8771]

OK, can we recognize the soft flex of him pulling up 'Superstition' session tracks in order to teach us about compression?

[@bendavies8129]

The original multitrack is available online. Pretty cool to hear everything isolated

[@adamskinny6125]

@@bendavies8129 for free?

[@bendavies8129]

@@adamskinny6125 Yeah, you can find it using google. I think it was released for educational reasons

[@itzdm0r3]

I just came here to appreciate Guru spitting knowledge about compressors.

[@RedlightRecordsStudio]

I had never heard of this guy, but clearly he knows what he's talking about and is very exacting and articulate. Then one of my hipper friends told me this guys pedigree, and it makes it all that more pertinent. Thanks Guru.

[@joesphclifton9730]

He did a lot of Jay-Z's early work i'm talking blueprint days and maybe before

[@draleighd]

Jay'z engineer and many others also.

[@jmac2050]

he is articulate, but he replaced on one idiom for another (squash for compression, is not saying much). A compressor is basically an automatic volume control, threshold point of volume to start, ratio: how much volume to turn down, attack: when to start, and release: how long to hold the volume down.

[@samuellorenz3249]

I wish I had this video sooner! I figured out compression from other videos and trial and error. Mostly error thanks to the other videos. You did an awesome job of clearly explaining function and practical application! Bravo!

[@TheRav3n]

This is beautiful... you’d be very surprise what you could find when you admit your weak points. The explanation for compression is so basic but very difficult to understand if you don’t know what you’re using it for and that’s why I came here

[@That1Guy]

Best explanation ever. Clear and concise.

[@blvcksnowbeatz]

I watched this years ago and my understanding of compression completely improved. I came to say Thank You Guru 🙏🏼🙏🏼💪🏾

[@Dante-qf9yd]

This is the best video I've seen about compression.

[@jaymaze8901]

I have watched various vocal EQ vids in the past 3 days and this one is by far the best vocal EQ instructional vid that I have come across!!!

[@philperry6564]

It's a compressor video you dumbass

[@philperry6564]

Just STFU already, you made a fool of yourself with the first comment. You clearly have no fucking clue what you're talking about. When I ask somebody to EQ my vocals and gets his compressor out, he is fired. Music is obviously not your thing, do something else.

[@jaymaze8901]

Think I may have found you Phillice Perry winkle, if confirmed its actually you. We'll find out what that mouth is all about bitch! I assure you, I'm not a gamma

[@philperry6564]

Probably spend days of researching without knowing if that is my actual name, LOL. You just scream basement dweller and yes, that is totally gamma.

[@jaymaze8901]

Starting shit like a tough guy, but really just wants to break into the industry. I wish you much progress in your musical venture. When the time comes fam, we'll figure it out ;)

[@JabSugarAnderson]

Guru, Ladies Jam by Little Brother that you produced is one of the most dazzling hip hop songs in history for me. Pure class. Bless bro.

[@gathobeevens2644]

thiis man is the best professor ever when it comes to recording . God Bless you sir!!!

[@Ahren-ji5om]

This is exactly the kind of explanation I've been hunting for for a while now, and crazy thankful I finally came across this.

[@HiggsMusicOfficial]

Dang, I feel like I understand compression so much more clearly now. Thank you for this!

[@KaneLono]

I hardly ever meet anybody that actually understands compression. This is a great little seminar. If you just can't understand compression.. you might as well find a different line of work.

[@JojoJuhbo]

You just blew my mind. I've been having a hard time understanding compression and this little tutorial finally helped me to understand the basics. Thanks a lot, I appreciate it.

[@CPtheCreator]

Yeah ... compression isn't the easiest thing to grasp. He did a great job. I agree.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Brilliant lesson 👌🏿👌🏿🖤 I've learnt a lot. Watching from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤❤️

[@chordsofglory4076]

this guy knows his things.. for so many years i have been struggling to understand compression and how funny and easy is it... thanks man

[@mr.bryannnnn]

DUDE!!! You're amazing at what you do!!! Thank you for your explanation, it was very clear and concise!!!

[@MingCash]

IT FEELS SOOOO DAMN GOOD TO HAVE THE SAME PLUG WITH THE MASTER....I LOVE HIS CLASS

[@ddrum121]

this dude literally explains everything so everyone can understand, legit af

[@TheJerzyslugga]

I've watched this video over a dozen times and on the 20th time I finally and truly get it THANKS GURU

[@lostee2001]

You could be the greatest teacher in KZbin history!! And I thank you!!

[@garnetbey7400]

thank u guru thank u thank uuuuuu so much those of us who are studying to become better learners in music engineering we need this info dearly...

[@mindwis3]

Wow, i can't believe that Young Guru himself is explaining compression to me :D The internet can be amazing place..

[@mariostacy5867]

FYI for everyone here who does engineer audio. There is an amazing plug in called vocal rider by waves. I find it to be a very useful tool in riding vocals.

[@conversescooby]

i love the way young guru breaks things down

[@Motizzie95]

Damn Guru, I thought I was already good with my compression game and you broke it down for me even more. Thanks again for your hard work and contribution to the culture.

[@rwalden87]

This dude is an incredible teacher, very clear and easy to understand.

[@edwardkapi1603]

Best explanation. I am a young sound engineer, a learner/beginner, appreciates the well explained tutorial------------ KOMAL--------PAPUA NEW GUINEA

[@MichaelDBauer]

Outstanding explanation. You are definitely a commander of your skill. People don't understand how important the man at the console really is. Had to subscribe so I can learn more. I played my own instruments, recorded it and engineered my own songs (the best I could with Home Studio 2004 XL with my limited knowledge) on my youtube channel. I wish I could go back after watching your videos and re-engineer it, but it was done more than a decade ago with Windows XP.

[@talitha]

I'm so glad i gave this video a chance(I have such a low attention span), but this was awesome! Very helpful too

[@Aintitmane]

Bru you killed that explanation I took it in better than I ever have. I always watch videos to keep me up on my toes. I appreciate you.

[@akashshravan_]

i've been watching a lot of video's on compression and literally, this man has it all summed up right here and explained in the best way possible!

[@davismillard3822]

Wow...I was just searching around to find out about compression and found this. GREAT job, sir!!! You answered every single one of my questions and more in an easy to understand for an old guy way!! Really, really appreciate you sharing this. Thanks!

[@b.s.5679]

This is about the best explanation of compression I've heard. Cheers Gu.

[@kaydunk3149]

I watched this a couple months ago when I first got in audio and didn't quite understand but months later now that I have some knowledge under my belt I appreciate and understand him and this video a lot more

[@LucasMarak]

Well explained thank you !

[@lordzamel4745]

I'M A NEWBIE IN MIXING BUT I'VE BEEN PRODUCING FOR YEARS BUT YOUNG GURU JUST MADE ME GREATER IN THE ARTS NOW I DON'T NEED TO PAY 600.00$ TO 1,800.00$ FOR A MASTER MIX I CAN NEW DO IT MYSELF THANK YOU GURU THIS IS THE SAME GUY THAT SAID IF YOU SELL 10,000 CD'S YOU JUST MADE 50,000$ AND THAT'S A SALERY WOW THAT'S BRILLIANT PEACE AND LOVE GURU

[@WavyLayz]

You explained compression so well. Now I am less confused, but I got more work to do! Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[@AXOHH]

This is the best explanation on compression, you explain it perfectly!

[@MatrixxSoundlab]

Compression is the ONE THING that gives me the hardest time wrapping my head around and mastering. This is a good look Young Guru!

[@MatrixxSoundlab]

Compression: The threshold tells the compressor went to work once it goes above that level compression begins. Compression ratio tells the compressor how hard to work. If it's set to 1:3, then for every 3 decibals the compressor will allow 1 to pass. Release determines how long it takes to get back to the normal level. I would set it quick for hitting instruments like kicks and snares but slower for vocals so that it sounds more natural. You also want to have it set longer for things like basses and with things to have trails so that the tail isn't cut off. Be mindful when raising the floor level because you don't want to raise things that may have made it into the recording like the sound of an air conditioner or just a background hum. Consider "riding the track" with volume automation so that you're not over compressing it.

[@experimentalelectronica5016]

Dont use compression if you don't have to. Start with a low threshold and low ratio and very little makeup gain if you gotta. Its all situational, but this is the most coherent explanation of compression I've experienced.

[@abaddon416]

Who the hell thumbs down this explanation?!This is probably the best explanation I’ve heard on compression.

[@thelifeproductions1]

Great advice from Young Guru, a real mixing pro- listen to any of Jay Z's albums from the past decade + to hear his skilled work.

[@bodidleemusic]

Man this is the best tutorial ever. Thank you so much

[@Shareef2610]

you are the best ,I never understand the compressions before

[@ikennafunken9306]

had the pleasure of hearing him speak live in NYC. Amazing stories, I'm sure many of you were there

[@KyuTheArtist601]

This was so good I'm thinking of becoming a student of skillshare very soon! The information is very detailed and Guru also hit on a couple of key questions that I wondered about but never sought answers to as well! Love This!

[@HeismanDeleon]

Very informative. I've watched countless hours of tutorials waiting to hear this. Thanks bro.

[@jamiegallacher6378]

PS.....when you listen to this young guy, you just know he knows his stuff. Excellent!!!

[@Noruego]

He’a one hell of a teacher. I’d do anything to get classes from him 👌🏻

[@SuperRand13]

Really useful, especially the unexpected vocal mixing tip, i always used to put the vocals too high.

[@captainmay9033]

Great job YG, you can't really do a much better job explaining the basics of compression in under 10 min. Lay-men enough for people with zero knowledge of compression to understand, but also technical for those of us who understand how compression works to still pick up a few new gems of knowledge. I have no idea why it happened but I'm sure glad I stumbled across this video. I'll be flying through your catalogs of videos this weekend.

[@timtaylor7731]

Outstanding tutorial presented in such a clear cut, and easy to understand presentation that it is hard to imagine improving on this! Well done!

[@hostnik777]

I didn't know who YG was before this, but he is a fantastic teacher.

[@swatiks.p7868]

Jay Z's go to audio engineer 👌👌

[@seanyoung9014]

This is the exact lesson taught at Omega Studios school in Rockville MD where he and I both went. Awesome instructors there.

[@2010Dilys]

young Guru been looking all over for you ....Its Nickie from London the dj who was booking you for clubs back in 2015 hope you are well

[@i2sharr]

This tutorial is very clear, keeps me interested by the way he explains. Actually I loved it!

[@jcrio3222]

THE best explanation of compression I have heard on the web! Thank you so much!

[@pdlrkpdlrk9971]

I have never heard anyone explain compression as well as this. Thanks :)

[@youngbricks3844]

Young Guru is why Jay-Z sounds so good on a track

[@peterworam45]

This is the best explanation of compression I've ever come across. Thank you so much for the explanation and the context for the different compression components. Also, thanks so much for the mixing pointers, particularly with regards to riding and driving the mix.

[@rykerblade_snb]

I may not be a fan of the music he's worked on but damn this guy is knowledgable and I respect the hell out of him. Very thorough and understandable on his part, well done

[@illmagnetic]

great explanation!! What do I mean by that.. I mean that it's awesome, what do I mean by that? I mean that you explained it very well, what do I mean by that? I mean what I mean. Excellent!

[@TheDanielShepherd]

Hahaha you beat me to it. What do I mean by that? I mean you made the joke first.

[@zebb_zebb]

Word.this man is one of the best interms tutoring.

[@CamGroves]

Guru explains compression better than any other compression tutorial on here.

[@meikerieger2899]

Is cause he is black and enlightened since birth. Truth

[@CEOGEOVANI]

@@meikerieger2899 color has nothing to do with this dawg. stop it.

[@therealxurxxfan5853]

CEO GEOVANI fr

[@UmaRecordings]

Good teacher. Can you do a video on EQ for bassy male vocals and panning Vocals in choruses ?

[@nakiap2596]

Great tutorial!!!! After watching a video that's only 9 mins long I have an understanding of something that's been a mystery to me. Each and every detail was explained in a way I could understand. Young Guru you're awesome at this...please continue!

[@edgarmanuelcambaza6459]

Finally, somebody explained it properly.

[@unclemiltys]

Good explanation. I have been struggling by other means to grasp these basics unsuccessfully. The basics are laid out here in such an easy to understand and apply way.Thanks !!!

[@AboveTheInfluence2024]

Subscribed man you really help me understand a new way of editing. I'm a independent artist that has to do most of the final cuts in our group down in Georgia and your videos helped me a lot. If I ever make it I'll make sure to give you credit man. Thanks

[@Skolotoi]

Truest explanation of how compression ties into mixing ever..

[@ReezyDoesIt]

Such an informative video. Hoping to retain all of this for my music.

[@robertmanigault625]

I'm just now learning the art of record engineering. This video has helped me to understand compression on my tracks.