The RIGHT way to use Compression - Detailed Mixing Tutorial

Hi I'm Michael Wynne. I'm a Scottish audio engineer and founder of In The Mix.
Understanding compression and how to hear it is an essential mixing skill.
In this video, I am going into a huge amount of detail to explain how to deeply hear and understand vocal compression so that you are no longer confused. I will show you all the important settings while compressing vocals and guitar.
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Video Notes:
1) Listen to compression when all your tracks are playing, if you can't hear the other instruments and vocals it is usually a waste of time (unless you are highly experienced...in which case...why do you watch my videos!)
2) Often you need compression to make a vocal sound natural in a mix, surprisingly - This is due to how the microphone picks up some peoples voice
3) Have an Aim! If you don't know what you are aiming for, how will you be able to guarantee a good result? When you listen to the uncompressed audio, ask yourself:
"What do I want to change?"
"Do I need more sustain on this vocal?"
"Are my vocals too punchy or transient?"
4) Compression Settings
▶Threshold
The point or level in dB where the compression will start being applied.
▶Ratio
How much compression should be applied?
2:1 = Gentle Compression
10:1 = Aggressive Compression
A ratio of 4:1 means that the signal has to go 4dB above the threshold to get 1dB out (3db of compression)
8dB over = 2dB out etc ( 6db of compression!)
This 4:1 ratio means only 25% of the signal above the threshold will pass through, so this is very noticeable.
A ratio of 2:1 means that for every 2 dB the signal goes over the threshold, the compressor will only allow 1 dB through, so this only allows 50% of the signal above the threshold to pass through, this is considered gentle.
The higher the number, the more gain reduction will be experienced when the signal passes the threshold. 20:1 and higher is usually getting into the range of limiting, where you have a virtually infinite ratio to prevent any peaks.
▶Attack
How fast should the compression start after the threshold is passed?
Fast attack time = Heavy, soft vocals
Slower attack = Punchy, transient vocals
▶Release
How fast does the compressor recover after the signal falls below the threshold?
Slow release = Mushy vocals
Fast release = Choppy vocals
▶Makeup Gain
Compression turns your audio signal down, so we apply a boost at the end to bring it back up to the original level. With this boost applied and the peaks brought down, the overall signal is louder and more full!
▶Knee
The knee of a compressor makes the threshold act more smoothly, so that compression is triggered in a smoother or more gradual manner. Experiment to see if it gives you a more natural tone.

[@flipastix2.031]

“Instead of turning dials and hoping for the best” never have I felt more attacked 😭😭

[@mohammadjadallah9813]

I bet your "attack" dial was at max when he said that 😂😂😂 (The attack dial is in the music software)

[@theminigod5958]

Thatz me 😅

[@linzenmeyer]

😂😂😂 bro, seriously tho!

[@reesethenyturtle]

Facts 😂😂😂😂

[@DrewShreveDrums]

Bro SAME😂😂

[@maximilianmorkramer5255]

Your voice sounds like you're about to tell me to focus on my breathing and to find my inner chi

[@grasped2]

because he's a sensei :)

[@ectoplasm12345]

There's two kinds of scottish accent. "Dulcett Tones" and "GET AHF MA BRU YA BAWBAG"

[@MariahIsolated]

His voice is so calm 😴(in a good way)

[@grasped2]

@@MariahIsolated I felt that

[@samw1501]

Well-compressed innit.

[@im_Spade_]

I used to think compression was too complicated and didn't mess with it or even use it, but the more I make music the more I realize how insanely important it is for getting the right dynamics to basically every track.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

makes the biggest difference between a good mix and an excellent mix

[@ProdChikara]

100% same I've noticed this

[@FranklyNorman]

I'm a full-time touring musician, and I've listened to some really top-notch live and studio engineers try to explain compression before. None of them have done as good a job as you have here. Thank you for the video.

[@i3cq]

4:02 "There's this very aggresive guitars that compete with the vocal a lot" Me: pictures hardcore metal guitars **Nice chill guitars play**

[@TheCarDude1]

Yeah, apparently he doesn't know how "aggressive" and "in your face" tones really sound like a very good video nevertheless.

[@MegaBadgeman]

I think the way the guitar sounds is so wrong for the track, too loud , too much treble and all that reverb makes it take up too much room in the mix. The focal point of the track Should be the vocals, then build the track up from there.

[@paolomotta900]

Read this comment...I just couldn’t stop laughing 😂

[@TheRealXmas]

LOL exactly

[@cmonofficial]

I think he meant that these guitars are agressive for your attention, and they really are. The focus of the ears shits between the guitar and the voice and it creats a unenjoyable hearing experience. And compression fixed it. Love the explanation

[@padyferg]

As a spokesperson for turning knobs randomly and hoping for the best this video is truly a blessing

[@monogramadikt5971]

im in the hopeless camp who will still be turning knobs randomly even after watching this lol

[@diji5071]

I just got a new job at a bike shop, I'm their new spokesperson.

[@noscope840]

me too bro was made up when he said that

[@derrickwayne4627]

@@diji5071 lmao dad joke

[@DannySullivanMusic]

LOL!

[@tubeo94]

For those just started out and cannot hear compression. Don’t worry, to me compression is one of the hardest thing to really feel. One of my tip is, when A/B the wave before and after compression, listen to the tail/ quiet part. I watched this videos countless times until I really hear what he’s saying.

[@SukacitaYeremia]

To me it seems like the important parts are the starts and ends of a continuous phrase

[@DANKKrish]

also this is easier to hear on some headphones than others. Michael has a beyerdynamic dt1990 on in the video so that also influences the way he's compressing the track. Basically it's easier to notice these differences on a similar sounding harsh V shaped headphone than something flat or less resolving.

[@KH_1]

If you feel hard to hear the compression, turn the ratio all the way up and turn the attack to fastest, your sound will be compressed as hell, then slowly increase the attack time to hear how much sound can pass through the compression, when your attack is ok then turn back to normal ratio (like 2:1 to 4:1).

[@GamesForever2]

thats a really good tip

[@nbtph9769]

What about the release?

[@Will-qx9vm]

​@@nbtph9769Put that on -inf

[@IonVortexx]

I was self taught on making beats. So dont ever feel like you are over explaining anything. I dont have all the terminology for the softwares an components. Thank you for this and all other videos you have done

[@dunkmajor]

School taught me what I was doing wrong and terminology after 5+ yrs of beatmaking . School is important but not completelu neccessary but I do suggest it. It will help ur mixes

[@trapboii147]

huge heph what did u learn from school if u dont mind :)

[@Jrob5200]

A lot of y’all watch endless tutorials on youtube. That’s not “self taught”. A lot of these KZbin videos teach u how to make beats better than actual classes

[@mo_riz]

@@Jrob5200 Yes that is called self taught

[@RobRidd]

@@Jrob5200 You could apply the same logic to reading a book. Is the person who wrote the book teaching me or am I teaching myself by reading it? Interesting question for discussion. All knowledge comes from elsewhere to begin with.

[@TheDoctorDovahkiin]

This is the first time I feel like I actually understood compression. Thank you

[@inthemix]

That's great to hear :)

[@dubzybanx9144]

Lol i feel the same way

[@oneworld9071]

17:19 "I close my eyes". In the late 70's I'd been brought into my first band as lead guitarist. A couple rehearsals along, during a long solo, the leader quietly barks into my ear "close your f___in' eyes!!!!!". After the song was done, he said "I hope you hear the difference...... WE do!!!!!". In an interview, Carlos Santana spoke at length about the difference he experienced, having been advised by some (other) legendary guitarist. With the amount of visual information pouring in, but we're so used to it, we can't appreciate the benefit of shutting it off to facilitate the most important input channel...... our ears. Michael Wynne, I've got great appreciation for your attention to that most-important practice....... I've heard from live sound technicians the meters are the last thing they rely on. Some years ago on a club gig, my (estranged) in-laws---the real-life Archie and Edith Bunker of TV's "All in the Family"--- had come to see my Latin-ish rock band. Closing my eyes during solos has been the default for decades, except when communicating to the band the necessary cues. My mother-in-law asked my father-in-law, who was then a top-rank DEA agent, "why does he close his eyes when he's playing???" to which he replied, "he's on drugs!!!!!" :) :) :)

[@inthemix]

Thank you so much for the kind words and sharing your story. I think you’re spot on about shutting off and letting the ears open up!

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

It blows my mind that content like this is completely free for everyone. I feel like I should be paying to watch this. You're a legend Michael!

[@inthemix]

Just doing my part. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned for free on YT :)

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

@@inthemix Thank you for doing your part, it matters. It opens up opportunities for many people around the world that can't afford a $5000 production bootcamp to learn the basics.

[@Kafetti]

“Without just turning dials randomly”😅😅😅😅😅

[@AJJr-hc5lz]

Welp that was my whole game plan 😂

[@GladysGrace001]

@@AJJr-hc5lz lol. I'm learning less is more. Just subtle changes.

[@PvtAnonymous]

@@GladysGrace001 except if you're doing really crazy stuff - like building speedcore kicks, where more equals better.

[@ObscuredByTime]

lol, I guarantee you this is the process 99% of people using FL Studio use to create their "beats."

[@TheVeganButcher]

I felt attacked whe he said that hahahah

[@neptunerhythms9737]

The most important part of this video was the moment of eyeshutting and absolute listening. This is the key basic because no matter how much you understand the parameters and techniques of compression. If you can't train your ears to listen well, you will miss out a lot. Always let your ears guide you. Thanks In the Mix for this awesome tutorial. God bless!

[@inthemix]

I think you're right on the money there! I also need to just listen more :)

[@neptunerhythms9737]

Absolutely! There's no end to that. We keep listening :)

[@notxnoname5258]

@@inthemix I also think that is a great advice, but I do believe that the focus is made possible by the fact you are eliminating other unnecessary details, not because your brain becomes more sensitive that way. indeed, you can listen to every little noise in the night because the ambient noise threshold is lower, not because of the closed eyes :P

[@inthemix]

@@notxnoname5258 Since making the video I actually looked for a few papers/studies on this topic and it turns out we close our eyes in many situations to focus our senses better, the brain activity in our auditory regions literally shoots up when we close our eyes. It's likely a combination of both environment and brain activity :)

[@SirEggbertfartalot]

@@inthemix Yep, hows your sense of touch, detailed enough to read Braille ? Mine is definatly not ! ;0) Same thing, I guess I need to train my brain in that area too. The brain is basically a "sight Junkie", it can't hurt to "ween" it off a bit. I found this information through conversations with a person who lost his sight. Completely Blind, yet he used band saws, electric planers, and was still an amazing woodworker ! He made trinket boxes (with dovetail joints) and chess boards, and they were far better fit and finish than I could make ! Really amazing and humbling.

[@agustinusreborn8680]

Believe it or not, I am here to learn almost everything from Michael, The mixing, the way he talks, he is just good example of a good men.

[@Peter-gu9ph]

Wow - although I have known all of this "in theory" for many years, you have given me a much deeper level of understanding in the mysterious art of compression. How to compress, what to listen for and why it's needed to get a professional sound. Great work Michael on producing the BEST tutorial on compression I have ever seen!

[@chrisskurgecarmona]

As a beginner, I really appreciate the detail. The most frustrating thing when learning is watching a video with someone moving too quickly and skipping details, assuming you already know it. So thank you

[@AmberDWorld]

Changing the ratio, attack and release in your own project after watching this, agree that although subtle, you can definitely hear what it's doing to the vocal, and how it sounds so much better, then realising you had it in bypass... Priceless.

[@DannySullivanMusic]

100%

[@radharcanna]

Michael, as an amateur editor I’ve watched dozens of videos trying to understand compression, but without much luck. You’re the first one to explain it clearly and precisely. The great thing is that you’ve emphasised the importance of using your ears (naturally!) rather than your eyes. Or relying on numbers. Thank you for that. Subscribed. Off to practice now!

[@rszoxfic9800]

Honestly this is the 4th time I try to watch this video but I just can't focus more than 5 mins. It happens to me with every video from this channel, I think it's the chill voice. There is amazing content in this channel I so wish I could handle that voice tone without getting distracted... :(

[@importedloser]

Even thought I've been making music for years I frequently revisit basic but extremely well articulated videos like this one and I never fail to learn something new each time.

[@rifatmuzikband2974]

I''ve been making live music for over 2 decades now. But never made home recordings. Watching you explaining all of this makes me feel like a beginner again, in a good way. I am learning so much from you. Thank you very much!!

[@clunt2548]

Dude, you’ve just helped me understand and hear something I’ve been struggling with for a couple years now. If you see this I just wanna say thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart. You rule dude.

[@archimedesvizuals1108]

That example when you mention the detail of vibrato with comp on and off is a great reference to hear exactly what fompression is doing. Great video thank you

[@caveatemp]

It's so mysterious to me. I could not hear any differences and yet I can hear a huge difference in tracks of mine that others have used compression.

[@wuziq]

taking andrew huang's production class right now, and i'm finding that your videos complement and expound a bit further on the material

[@inthemix]

Wow really? That's so great to hear

[@TheApostleofRock]

Yeah bro. I took the one in january too and I was a little disappointed. There did not seem to be as much explanation on these kind of things as i would have hoped. It was a good experience, and I definitely got a lot of ideas just by watching him do shit, but I don't feel like it really taught me HOW to do that many things. On the other hand, that fact kinda made me dig for things that I wanted to achieve, which is maybe a better way to learn things. Anyways, Cheers!

[@apollospyrol7168]

@@TheApostleofRock do you know how to mix and master yet?

[@user-yh9be4lx8v]

man I absolutely love your videos! they're informative and clear but at the same time your emotions and feelings for the music always shine through here and there so it's quite warm and joyful to watch

[@danacosta5237]

Dude these tutorials are always fantastic. All your videos are always explained so well and are packed with quality advice, appreciate it man

[@SATOhara3173]

Hearing the difference in my mixes since I started watching this channel has been amazing, and I'm glad you keep making stuff for me to learn more from.

[@KaranMishra]

I always look forward to your channel for any tutorials I would wanna learn, sometimes I just randomly watch any video of yours and it's always fruitful for the viewer. Thank you. Plus, the singer Calvin is doing an amazing job, great vocals, loved it.

[@jvince001]

A youtube thumbnail featuring *real* audio waveform information - a rare thing - thank you. lol. Too often see "SLAM THIS FREQUENCY!!!! [BEST KEPT SECRET]" pointing to a random transient / peak.

[@outmindbeats]

Thank you so much your tutorials are such a great help. I'm working on an ambient/classical EP right now and using your tutorials to help me mix/master my tracks

[@TearFoX]

Thanks a lot bro ❤️ you helped me in so many ways.

[@avibainsmusic]

He's doing a great work. I've learnt a lot from him, I'm still learning. I just started uploading my work on youtube. Please tell me how i can improve my music. Love. Avi.

[@TheAggroculture]

This is totally and utterly the best explanation of compression for me on the internet.i get it now.thanks so much.

[@inthemix]

That's so great to hear, Mark :)

[@TheAggroculture]

You deserve many more subscribers!

[@beckpeters4303]

Literally, I've looked all over for videos to help me understand these things! This has helped me so much! Thank you

[@leavalentina2792]

This is so helpful and you have such a calming voice. It's awesome. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@rolfvansoelen8916]

Your tutorials are simply great man, very clear and informative, and very well presented. Great job, thanx alot for your time spend in making them !

[@shaderpro1074]

You do amazing tutorials, you're a real Pro! I learnt from you alot already. I wish you so much success with everything you do, you really deserve it!

[@jpmaytum]

Love this and thoroughly recommend. There's lots of vids on KZbin about compression, but this is nicely and thoroughly done. Well done Michael!

[@TheOnlyRiktor]

I love how you get to the meat of the topic and you never waste time. You're very focused and well spoken. I appreciate all of the tutorials I've watched of yours and it has helped me improve a lot in a short span of time. Thank you sincerely.

[@SXINT]

• bruh I seriously needed this •

[@moxictasculinity]

Bro you the goat. I fw your beats hard

[@fdemar]

Thanks so much. I've been struggling to understand compression for some time now, and have watched a lot of videos and read a lot of material from other sources. Your video made the function of all the parameters crystal clear, and the fact that you should apply compression to tracks within the mix is priceless. Thanks again!

[@f0rl0ve68]

Man this is one of the clearest and most helpful videos I’ve seen on KZbin EVER. Please never stop making videos and shining your light to help others with your brilliance! 🎉

[@tet1888]

Thanks for taking the time to explain it in detail. Makes my understanding much more defined or at least I feel as if it makes more sense when you explain everything, even the bits that you might think are self explanatory. Again thanks for taking the time to really explain what your doing and understanding.

[@BrunoDGames]

been doing music for around 7 years in fl, love this detailed tutorial! i learned a bit and can hear what you're talking about, i normally don't make pop music but i found this very helpful

[@DiskordiaUKGR]

best youtube recommendation - keep it up the way you explain/presenting things is top notch :)

[@DjPrimeberry]

So Clear! So precise... Probably one of the best tutorials around Compression! Thanks for your guidance!!

[@richebbs666]

Expert knowledge put across in a really clear and informative way: a truly excellent video! Thanks Michael.

[@theRNvestor]

I have never subscribed to anyone after one video but this is just too good. We are lucky that your ability to teach is as good as your ability to mix. That’s rarely the case. Looking forward to catching the rest of your content!

[@CyberEditing]

9:25 Amazing difference!

[@shawnshipstad9281]

Yes, I would love to hear some of the music he has produced. It is a big world. There are many of artist that are very popular in Europe and not at all in the USA. Just to make a vivid point. David Hasselhoff (The star of the American hit show Baywatch- if you recall was a big success, on television. Maybe some music people in the USA know this-Not all. I Germany, he was a huge musical success. We are talking sold out stadiums and mulit platinum-6 million copies in Germany in the 1 ST week of sales alone. Here in the states, I do not think he would sell in a coffee shop. That is why he and his management never approached any US labels or promoters. I do not know how is is today. I was standing right next to him for about 10 minutes, as we were both ordering Sushi-Made to order-right infront of you, in Encino CA. He certainly smelled of liquor. This was early afternoon. I would guess he got some help.

[@joshnermon7996]

This tutorial is fantastic and helped me understand the different settings in compressors. Stoked to apply these tips and techniques - thanks for putting it so simply!

[@pete2070]

Great video. Hugely informative. I compose and record my scores on both hardware recorders and on a DAW. After a time of denial, lol, I finally started to learn about compression, limiting and so on. Watching your video makes me realise that applying this feature to mixes and masters, is truly a skill. And it is required, if you want a better sound. Thanks!

[@aaronleung8809]

Man I really love you . You’re the best teacher ever . I can get this kind of education for free . Thank you man I love you. Keep going

[@MarkusKnapp]

Three years old and this is "still" brilliant! Thanks Michael, for sharing this great peace of work!👍

[@lanana0]

You are an absolute hero! This is my first time really understanding compression. Knowing what each setting does makes it both easier and way more exciting to work with. I love that you explain every detail including obvious things like dry and wet. I'm 100% new to music production so I appreciate that you don't assume that we all know! Thank you so much! Sending you all the good vibes!!

[@mmmyummi6094]

I love these tutorials. It feels like you really give it your all in each one and the way you explain concepts or how to do things makes it very easy to understand. You seem to always know what it is us newbies are having trouble with and you manage to always nail each tutorial. Thank you so much!

[@inthemix]

I really am giving it my all, thanks for noticing. I really try to put myself back into the mindset I had in my first few months/year in production and try to talk to that person!

[@PaypalCustomer]

I have alot of respect for this guy. He's taught me all I know. Hopefully when I grow older I could work with you. (I'm 16 from the UK)

[@RaveenaAroraOfficial]

thank you for this. your tutorials are never tiring to watch and learn.

[@baseballstud9121]

One of the best videos I've seen explaining compression, nice job dude!

[@commontimeproductions]

Great tutorial Michael! We found you through the PLAP academy and now follow you too :) This tutorial on compression helped me figure out the threshold function of the compressors in Neutron too now because Izotope has such streamlined programs. Thanks!

[@jeffagoddard]

The best example of compression I’ve ever heard. I’ve used UA vintage compressors for years but I didn’t understand the details, I just knew how to setup compression to get good sounding results.

[@reinfaster]

Thank you so much for such a detailed tutorial and yet short and simple. I am on a whole new level of understanding all thanks to you.

[@danielkather3506]

This was incredibly insightful! I've been peering into the vocal music production, and I never knew compressors were so vital. It truly shows what I need to learn, thanks!

[@elzurixmusic]

You have no idea how much you helped me right now, thank you so much for explaining this, and going into so much detail, this half an hour passed like nothing, I could watch these long videos all day, and for me, I still can't hear the difference between the vocal compressed and uncompressed, I think that's a skill that I need to develop, and you've made me aware of that, so thank you, again! I'm just so glad that we, the producers, have someone who we can rely on when it comes to mixing! :)

[@AmberDWorld]

I think it's better to be honest to yourself if you can't hear any difference, instead of fooling yourself into thinking you can hear one... I also couldn't hear the differences on this video, even after skipping back and listening a few times... It's better to acknowledge that fact, then to pretend you can hear it.

[@tykimkim]

@@AmberDWorld Nah dude, it's a skill you can learn just like any other skill. If you want it, you gotta keep at it!

[@AmberDWorld]

@@tykimkim totally. Thats what I'm saying lol

[@Thadnill]

Am I the only one who can have it difficult to sometimes hear the difference? (beginner mixer here) Thanks for a great tutorial nonetheless

[@TheDutchCreeperTDC]

No you're not alone. I have a really hard time hearing subtle compression too, which is why I tend to compress too much or not at all.

[@cathywilson1273]

It's very difficult to hear the difference!!!

[@iainmackenzieUK]

No. Not at all. I am also fairly new. I am finding that, during the past year, I have become more tuned in to 'subtle' Changes. (Not yet able to do much about it yet, technically... but at least hearing them more). I also find I am enjoying listeneing to music more and picking out the finer detail.

[@cathywilson1273]

@@iainmackenzieUK -There's still hope for me!! :-)

[@yeah1009]

It's listening through youtube. When you use good headphones you'll hear on your own recording. When you're new, really turn the knobs until you hear a big difference, you'll train your ears.

[@oneeyedkrow5633]

Amazing, thank you so much for these videos, you are a legend. The compression here adds a new level of emotional intensity to the whole vocal and the 'pack my bags and leave' line explodes (in a good way) out from the rest of the mix. Fantastic singer, as well btw.

[@asherdaniels9466]

This was genuinely the only video on compression that I completely understood, thank you so much! I was actually able to hear it so much better than other videos because I knew what the listen FOR. So helpful.

[@manuthisguy]

Actually, I already know what compression is and I know pretty well how and when to apply it. But I came here anyways because I always learn something new from you :) Keep such tutorials coming bro! It helps guys like me and many other beginners :)

[@Layarion]

16:37 "hope you can hear"...sigh...it sounded identical to me. wearing cheap headphones.

[@jeongjeongmusic]

im in this comment and i dont like it

[@chingkheimang4766]

Same

[@joshuakensiecoker]

it isnt really a 'huge' difference. its more subtle but it does make a huge difference in the end result

[@sakaitama3184]

Working on audio at work constantly love getting these recommendations to see other peoples views on tools like this always more to learn, great video 🙏

[@ehi3398]

Michael, Great video!! Thank you!! I've just recently begun recording my own music and was really lost with all the tools for the best sound. Your videos, BY FAR, are the most descriptive and educational. I've only found your channel the past couple of days, but have already learned so much! Thank you, again!! I am subscribed!!!!

[@cumulocris6629]

Thank you so much fam! Compression understanding is always much needed and appreciated as a producer! 😂❤

[@inthemix]

I hope the video helps :)

[@azmaulana6078]

my heads blow up 😭... first, I'm beginner for this all, and the second is I'm not the good english speaker because I don't speak english, but still want to learn from beginning.....hope I can learn something from this channel :)

[@jrpjazz]

This is one of the best easy to comprehend explanations of how to compress. So helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@grantlendvay6899]

This was insanely helpful and very thorough. Thank you so much for putting the time in for this video and for teaching me compression!!

[@masochisticmeese3555]

I've been dabbling in music for a while, but I really appreciate these detailed videos on the basics. I wish I had them when I was starting out because they would've helped a lot, but you're never too good to review the fundamentals

[@ale9507]

Thank you so much for this. I've been producing for a while, but my understanding of compression has not improved one bit. I've desperately needed an in depth tutorial of it.

[@Shonayy]

excellent work man this is super informative. No need to apologize for anything, I appreciate your detail.

[@johnhowarthmusic8706]

Thank you for a clean, clear and concise explanation but, mostly, the simple way you presented it.

[@stupidusername38]

just to be more specific, all compressors compress immediately as soon as the threshold is crossed, the attack time is how long it takes to reduce the volume by the ratio. A quick attack time will reduce the volume quickly whereas a long attack takes longer to reduce the volume but they all compress instantly. A compressor doesn't wait to compress ( a common misconception about attack times)

[@bullpuppy7455]

That's actually very helpful for me! Because up until now I've always seen it as taking x amount of time before the compressor starts to act. But if I understand correctly you are saying that it actually starts acting immediately, and takes x amount of time to reach maximum compression. With that in mind, is it safe to assume that the release also starts acting immediately, once the signal drops below the threshold, but takes y amount of time to return to 0 compression?

[@stupidusername38]

@@bullpuppy7455 yes that is correct. I'll try and find the video that taught it to me

[@bullpuppy7455]

@@stupidusername38 It all makes so much more sense to me now, because I couldn't figure out how the peaks were coming down if compression wasn't starting until after the transients. In other words, I couldn't figure out how we were 'making room' to raise the gain if the peaks were never compressed. But with this bit that you shared I get it now. The peaks do get compressed, but rather than chopping the peaks down it's allowing the transient to swell up a little before reaching max compression, so overall the peak is dropping as a whole, but not in one fell swoop. So one might even say that it operates like an upside-down noise gate, which you also wouldn't want to kick on/off right away, or you'd get the popping static sound. This answers so many questions for me, so thanks friend!:)

[@stupidusername38]

@@bullpuppy7455 no problem, see it as fast attack very sharp reduction and a slow attack a more gradual curve but they all start straight away. When I'm home I'll find the KZbin video that showed the curves in action on a sine wave and you'll see the difference

[@bullpuppy7455]

@@stupidusername38 I appreciate that, but I can see it ever so clearly in my mind now. The idea of attack and release in compression is basically to sculpt the reduction of the peak, reducing the portions just past the threshold just a little, while bringing the top-most parts of the peak down more. This basically helps retain the general shape of the transient. Too fast an attack and the compressor would kick in right away and completely flatten the peak, and too slow of an attack and it won't be compressing enough by the time it reaches the top of the peak. I think most people get confused by how it is often explained to beginners - "We don't want the compressor to kick in too quickly, because we want to let the transient through" - and I think most people walk away thinking that the idea is to leave the transient untouched altogether, as was my understanding until you clarified it:)

[@itzbreezy5274]

Crazy how music is so detailed down to every little things. Its truly a beautiful feeling making a good sound

[@SoundAdventurer]

Wow, I loved this. I appreciated being taken into the journey. I learned a lot!

[@TheCjdaigle]

Hey man, I just wanted to say that your tutorials have made this music making learning curve not so bad. At first i was extremely overwhelmed, but still really wanted to make music projects i've had in my head for years and years. You're on of the people that is making this idea come to reality, no you didn't buy the program for me or write any music. But you really helped out more than I can give back by giving you a view and subscribe, Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing your future endeavors

[@chessnub8858]

Salute to those producers who has ears that hears those compression 😭😭😭

[@rectalfission]

Made my day, best explanation of a compressor I've seen so far.

[@dburnmusic]

Still been trying to master the art of compression for a while now. And this video has been a huge help! Respect from Brisbane/Australia

[@JaredHathaway]

This was amazing! Evergreen content on point! I learned a ton about compression in this video and you went into great detail with the terms and the adjustments of each "slider" / knob!

[@40avo]

This was awesome! Yes please, how to use Compression on Drums would be much appreciated! Thank you

[@AaronVegaMusic]

Description game is on fire, all the info is there!

[@guymustsingpatreon]

Michael, You are marvelous! Thank you for your generosity and kindness! 🙂

[@Martbass64]

Have only viewed a few of your videos, but they stand out. Easy-going, down-to-earth and intuitive... and strangely pacifying in their delivery: making music shouldn't be stressful but music tech often is..! Great job, thank you.

[@jamesbligh6607]

That was immensely helpful. Thank you! i am a complete amateur, so excuse this question if its naive, but would the technique you used to increase the sustain on the guitar translate over to electric bass guitar? im really struggling with my bass recordings, the drop off is so bad :(

[@inthemix]

Thank you, as for bass guitar, absolutely it will help the sustain. A lot of it comes down to technique, guitar build and the pickups but adding good compression is pretty essential to a good bass tone in my opinion. Don't be afraid to mess around with the settings, ideally you want the transient attack to come through, then the tail to be brought up, so maybe a medium attack and a slow release is a good place to start. Export the waveforms so you can see what the compressor is doing to the bass and use your ears to guide you. Good luck :)

[@PayDaProducer]

Excellent as always, at least someone on KZbin knows what they’re talking about. S-N there’s 5 dislikes at the time of this post, what lonely souls they must be🤣...

[@NectarineAttack]

This is the best indepth explanation of compression I've seen, exactly the video I was looking for, thank you

[@tysonhawk5437]

So thankful for you, Michael. I'm new to FL Studio and your channel is invaluable. You're a great communicator (succinct and efficient) and have unparalleled knowledge of FL Studio and music in general. And...thank you for making your channel about teaching and not yourself. :)

[@SaieedDavis]

just leaving a like and comment as payment for the knowledge gained

[@ItsGrantM]

Your videos are always very informative but i do believe your explanations of ratio and attack could be better. A low ratio should increase the compression assurances, but a high number will mean more DB is required before its triggered and therefore less compression per DB is achieved. Also, attack is the accelerations at which it takes to achieve that desired compression, but if your objective is to push gain then you might want a short attack to get punchier transients so its not a universal setting and very much depends on the pre and post gain goals.

[@PRODBYJONMARINE]

We all make different music, but your videos are for the universal. I just watched this, and a few other of your tutorials, and made my best work yet. Thank you Michael, youre the greatest!! Oh man just recalled that your "how loud should my mixes be" video was so helpful bro. Thanks again!!

[@Altek2k]

This is by far the best explanation of compression i've seen, and I've watches a fair few! Top job!

[@SawalCrezz]

Sangat membatu thanks

[@UncleJimTV]

cakap melayu pulak bang