How to Use Compression on Vocals | Compressors Explained in Detail

[@TheWavMan]

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[@nicksamps_]

This is a fire tutorial but where the song!!!??? 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@_JustTheLetterB_]

Not gonna lie bro I’ve watch countless video on compression and I’ve never completely understood it! You broke this down to the lowest level and I’m bout to start messing around with mixing and mastering my own stuff with confidence.

[@GladysGrace001]

Totally agree 👍🏾

[@jayfromdaa_apk]

One thing I will say is sometimes understanding starts with finding the plugin your brain gets the most. I didn't understand compression at all and I mostly lived off presets until I got the CLA 76 (or any 1176 compressor). Since there are such few knobs it allows you to really understand how the attack and release work. Rcomp has helped a lot too.

[@EAAAAAAA]

I said the same thing

[@freakypee]

On god lmao

[@rolandbest3365]

I completely agree. I’ve seen a ton of videos on compression and no one has broke it down as clear and easy to understand as you man. Awesome job, well done, thank you so much for sharing this video. ✌🏿

[@rotnaetheprofessionalbegin3866]

Dude! As a home recording musician for over 30 years I have struggled BAD trying to understand compression. You did an amazing job helping me realize and visualize its job. Kudos and much appreciation brother. Rock on!!

[@markl5998]

Bro i feel you.

[@RookieMistakeYT]

I know this is just for the basics of compression but you’ll quickly learn that the pros tend to use two compressors on vocals. First be sure to clean your vocal track up if you’re not recording in a room that has been acoustically treated. You can unintentionally raise your background or floor noise and muddy up your vocals. While I like the RComp and use it for a lot of rap vox, the CLA-76, CLA-2A, MX2, and FabFilter Pro-C are all also good choices to use or use in conjunction with each other. Generally speaking, you would have one compressor react to just the peaks (fast att/rel, threshold is set to just react to the peaks) and another that kinda smooths out the macro dynamics (usually slower att/rel, threshold is set more aggressively) You can EQ wherever in the chain you want: before/after/between compression. Generally speaking, I tend to use subtractive EQ BEFORE the compressors more often than additive, and more additive AFTER the compressors than subtractive. This is not a rule though, do whatever you want to make it sound good. The first compressor is usually set to control peaks while the second is to control the consistency. The second compressor would generally have more relaxed settings: med attack to let those peaks through, release set to the bpm or such that it is transparent. Hope this helps some of the more intermediate or advanced users out there. I was actually thinking about doing some videos myself but there’s already enough decent info out here 🤙🏼

[@prodsc9502]

thats how I do most of my Vocal Mixes 🙏

[@iamnyron]

Hey Sanders! That's one thing I always wondered was why people use multiple EQs / Compressors. Wouldn't 1 be sufficient to do the job? To my understanding, multiple EQs and Compressors adds different colors, and I see the reasoning you would add different ones in the comments, but it's a little hard to grasps. Any videos that uses multiple that you would recommend? I was hoping to learn and tailor my vocal chain to one of each rather than using multiple EQs and Compressors, just to help me get the concept down.

[@vandpiben]

​@@iamnyronfirst compressor is to correct for unwanted transients. Second compressor is to accommodate the feel by adding groove, either in parallel or straight out compression

[@k4de_d4yze]

This guy legitimately needs to teach a class for this. He makes this stuff very easy to understand, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from his videos.

[@silaswintersguitar]

Dude this literally made perfect sense. Ive watched so many videos talking about compression and its just so many producers rambling and making it sound so complicated. By the time this was over i was like bro lets go. This is what my mixes have been lacking

[@devotedfusionband]

After so many attempts of trying to understand how compression works, this was literally the video I needed to understand it all. thank you so much for the very helpful video!! -Sean

[@uryic000]

Well done young blood. I'm a 66 almost 67 year old full time musician. I have someone coming in tomorrow to record an audio book. I had never really dug into compression to figure it out. Always sent my mixes out for mastering to someone else. You broke that thing down. I'm always so focused on the chord changes, instrumentation etc it was difficult to focus on the sonic quality of the tracks. Really liked the analogy at the end with the authority figure saying turn down the music. Thanks again. new subscriber.

[@highpsyque]

He's a genius

[@gvmstudiomiao6387]

You don't even hide anything you teach what we really need.thanks.

[@GladysGrace001]

You're a great teacher/instructor. This was so straight forward. You broke it down visually and auditory for us to understand and apply, that anyone who didn't understand compression finally gets it. Thank you #WavMan🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TheWavMan]

I appreciate the kind words, thanks for the support 🌊🌊 glad I could help

[@MvrzThaArtist_]

@@TheWavMan would you say rap n drill has slower attacks ??

[@operasinger2126]

@@TheWavMan You should do more videos. You are a great educator! And I am a hard rock/metal guy.

[@Dael.o.n]

Soo we go ignore the fact that he posted this and took it done😂😂🔥🔥🔥 great content

[@highpsyque]

Mane I can watch a whole video and it feels like 3 seconds. Too much useful information makes you learn smoothly

[@terree24]

I been on KZbin for over a year now, trying learn mixing and I must say, you are the only youtuber that made it so simple to learn. You gained a follower for life!

[@hellodappsbeataccount7029]

i've been doing music for about 20 years now, and for the most part have always engineered my own stuff, but lately ive been really trying to learn how to make them sound professional as possible. This man has been all ive watched for like 2 weeks straight lol

[@markl5998]

I've watched this tutorial probably 8 times. Just now starting to grasp it. This is a great tutorial, I just struggle with compression. But this video makes more sense than any other compression video I've seen on KZbin

[@chucknorrismeta3171]

You’re actually a great teacher for beginners. Good examples and illustrations

[@lifebyicey9392]

Why Is this guy not trending on Spotify, does anybody know? He is so amazing at music why is there not more songs made by him? Any particular reason for that? His vocals are so good!

[@Officialsmilezp]

I agree. But unfortunately that’s how it’s is until the blessing come

[@SB1Films]

He like to spoon feed

[@MagnetDzn]

He isn't the one singing lol

[@cmoney6128]

@@MagnetDzn yea he is

[@eprep9745]

I think it may be because he does these tutorial videos and is known as a teacher more so and attracts the audience of aspiring producers/musicians who aren’t trying to find new musicians to listen to - they’re here for the knowledge. Basically me

[@itschepi]

The best video I've watched about the compressor very well explained

[@DrFillyBlunt]

Compression is one of those things IMO you don't fully understand what it sounds like until you start mixing on your own and use it. I caught onto how compression works on paper pretty quickly but it took quite a few mixing sessions over time to figure out exactly what was going on and how to control it with each setting. I like how you mention the genre or mood of the song can determine certain settings like attack or release times. I also like the analogy you had at the end to wrap it up.

[@IamLaR1]

Yo, old man here...been around some of the best coaches in the world (football wise, NFL), your ability to articulate what you are trying to teach is top notch. Thank you so much. This is the second video of yours I have watched... totally subbed. Keep up the great work man.

[@alexanderchristensen806]

im happy i caught you in my second week into making music, now i'll really get the grasp of the essentials and basics. like i really wanna know why we do the things we do when we make music, not just the late process of things. thank you , your videos gon change my life for the better.

[@gliterott]

I can't thank you enough wav man, you've taught me so much over the years 🤞🏻

[@AnnointedOneMusic]

This guy is one in a million , awesome instructor, I highly agree with the people who said this guy breaks the code , he breaks it down so much a baby can understand, you just don't understand the baby , and the baby be right , I like teachers who are professional at making progress , seeing how many he can pour his knowledge into , and knowing the results by the responses , really do need more people like him , like the guy said after (all) these years never heard it explained the way he explained , he makes sure theirs no excuse, keep up the good work guy !!

[@noonetime8478]

after so many years relying to preset compression settings... I think i understand how its used and how it works. Thanks bro.

[@Ginzo8500]

I'm literally so thankful for your content. Out here in Switzerland we got a few vocal engineers, but nobody can explain it as good as you and in such a compounf and helpful way🙏🙏

[@TheWavMan]

Appreciate it , gotta put my squad on to all the sauce

[@UnyikQueen]

The only compression I’ll ever need for my music. You did a great job explaining this. Thanks!

[@justhyped9933]

I love this guys simplicity. Showed to my 5 year old brother and even he knows how to compress now.

[@tfmkhonza5084]

The man who taught me anything🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 thank u bro from South Africa

[@lwkykris4146]

this is the best i’ve ever heard someone explain compression. great work.

[@devaanshkaushal5383]

One of the best compression tutorial i have ever seen until now...........

[@geoniki1]

Best explanatoin of compression and how a compressor works! Period! The only thing left to do is to get that ear for recognizing what you are hearing. Great work!

[@PDaGreat]

Thank You!!! I've been struggling with understanding compression for years but the way you broke it down gives me a lot of confidence in how to do better

[@marcusleonmusic8494]

Bro i literally never understood compression till just now! I really hope you continue to make videos cause you are a great teacher.

[@yinundjan]

This is probably one of the best tutorial channels on YT. Easy to understand, straight to the point and entertaining, keep it up bro! :)

[@JuanPabloh]

I can’t thank you enough man. Saw A LOT of videos about compressors, how to use and why to, and u explained like, 13:42 minutes! Freakin awesome man, thank you SO MUCH!!!!

[@blacksantaria3642]

YOU ARE OUTSTANDING. I PLAYED WITH AL GREEN, TYRONE DAVIS, THE EMOTIONS AND JACKIE WILSON AND YOU EXPLAINED COMPRESSION BETTER THEN ANYONE ON KZbin.

[@Ak-zw1mq]

Best Video I've watched on Compression so far. You've made this so easy to understand. Unbelievable.

[@fletcherbrown728]

Wow!! I have watched many, many explanations of compression for years. This is absolutely the very best BY FAR. No one else is even in second place. What a great teaching style you have. Well done. I couldn't subscribe fast enough. I hope there is more like this.

[@kidalchemyst6460]

This is amazing someone that looks like me breaking down the science of what I do and want to do every day

[@jandy4897]

Bro, been watching your vids on vocal mixing and I'm learning a lot. My vocals sound a lot more cleaner thanks to you.

[@iamnyron]

Out of all the compression videos I have watch in my life. This one was the one I needed to fully understand how it functions. Thank you bro! I appreciate it for life!!!

[@E.T.VerballyDyslexic]

This is hands down the best compression video. PERIOD. I have started to feel dumb thru my music journey not picking up on things quick enough. But I wrote 19 novels by age 19. Well written ones. So I would think I’m not dumb. It’s the teachers that suck. Boom! You saved my Mixes! Thanks @TheWavMan

[@AllseeingWatcher]

Probably the best explanation on compression on KZbin. Nice work man!

[@michaelurban348]

this guy is so underrated. like even the songs are pro.

[@muddyfingazmusic]

That analogy at the end had no business making perfect sense. Liked and subbed

[@lkaleem9936]

This is top tier level of explanation, every other tutorial makes it sound so goddam complicated

[@taborgreat]

that conceptual explanation at the end where you compared it to turning down a speaker was magical. thanks man

[@gobstudios868]

This guy gives me Hope never a let down here 💯💯💯

[@3082frank]

Good day Sir, all i want to say is..you deserve a nobel award for explainijg compression so well. Damn...after watching over 20 videos...you explained itnwith examples super well. Thank you so much brother

[@tsinomusic8437]

Theres a way u teach. It just easy to get. God bless the work u do

[@jasonsims2220]

The best compression video out hands down 🔥

[@tuberassie]

U saw the comments, and I was like.. Kmrt, but then wow bro, you should teach. Thank you.

[@SvgeRose]

this is probably the best video i've found so far explaining compression! I remember learning about it very early on when i started producing so i never really understood it til now!

[@jeulahr]

Bruh you just explained ratio like a legend. Other guys really give you a clue but are not explicit cos they want to with hold information. I've been using my ears practically to get results but you did a theory close out with this video based on context. I usually bring the ratio to match the threshold. Lol

[@michaelvelaas]

God bless you man! Finally I started to get how the compression works! It’s crazy that my native language is spanish But i watch many tutorials in my language and the one i understood it’s yours I got it perfectly! Thank you ! Now i need to watch the equalization video 😅 I used to do beats for fun, and as soon i thought on mixing and producing i used to panic but i see the you can achieve everything you put your mind into When i see myself in the past, i see the i got better and better ! Thank you again ! For what you do for others ando sorry for my English 😅 I’m trying to improve it

[@CMOOFFICIAL954]

Always dropping the knowledge, all artist PAY ATTENTION

[@stanlewis1093]

Great video! Really helpful and clear. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@jetswade_rapbot]

This is hands down the best video I've ever seen for explaining how to compress , thanks a lot bro

[@legendkiller1157]

Bro your literally the best person to explain this, every other video ive seen they just ramble on!

[@stevenstrange4331]

This is the best tutorial on compression I ever watched, now I fully understand, thanks a lot

[@clxmzzy9257]

Thanks bro I really needed thissss

[@Bangastarch]

the most intuitive explanation on compressors .. class my G

[@HarshSehajpal]

Just started on my musician journey at the age of 20, pray for me i learn all concepts in 6 months and then practice till 23 and finally get hit

[@keithlawes]

Brilliant explanation.... Never fully understood it till now......

[@Bo-lq3ur]

Dawg that analogy you gave with the authority figure should be in textbooks! Thank you bruh!!

[@steveroyroberts1694]

Great teacher 👏👍

[@LeosilvaJeffs]

Dude your breakdowns are so good and understandable without sounding patronising... Absolutely nailing it ❤️

[@supahmariostyle]

Faaaaaaaam I FINALLY found someone that can break down compression. I needed this for my stream.

[@centr0]

This has gotta be the best video on youtube about compression. Great job on the visuals and examples. Keep em comin!

[@KevinScott_x]

Dooood you are an amazing teacher! Best video I’ve ever watched on compression! After 2 years I finally understand it perfectly!!! Thank you!!! You are a LEGEND my friend!

[@sshekirov]

Best video for Compression EVER !!!

[@EmmanuelGutu]

Bro this was too good. Definitelly coming back to rewatching this.

[@StellarmaxVYBE]

Holy crap this video is insane! This is literally the perfect explanation of compression, I rock with this heavy!

[@TheWavMan]

That’s how we do it on this side my guy !

[@mikeillgaming4224]

This man is a gold mine

[@tarroyale]

I ain’t gonna lie you explain these videos so well man it inspired me to get back into making songs & engineering. Keep doing what you doing bro YOU’RE GREAT KING 👑 ✊🏾

[@featuringrageyt3103]

About time we see someone really showing us how it’s really done on KZbin with vocals and effects and things 💯🙏❤️👍💪

[@rozzpoe1684]

The way you explain things is special man I appreciate you 💯

[@regibeatz]

Definitely need more of these plug-in explanation vids

[@Legendfrmbroward]

this gotta be the best explanation on compression.. dope work

[@Rdon_Ranger]

Great tutorial. You covered all basses, allowed me to fully understand. I’m new to mastering I’ve always used compressors for my instrumentals but never really understood what the knobs did, I kinda just went with my ears 😂 but I’m glad I stumbled across this as it’s helped me identify where I could’ve been going wrong 💯

[@chlosies]

favourite compression explanation ive watched so far, and i watched all the top search results no offence but they use too much jargon and im already on hear coz i know nothing and trying to figure out so many things. I appreciate the use of plane language and the vocalized exsamples.

[@EdmilsonAndrade-nv7jn]

Bro i dont even do this youtube stuff but you the only person to say this ina way i can understand i subscribed brah

[@Tomasjae]

Very well done. The walk-through and visuals really help me to grasp this and test it out on my own. Used compression on a harmonica track and it's beautiful. Thank you.

[@kstringsFretless]

Nobody explained it better,thanks brother

[@LUSCIOUSDUNCAN]

dude if you aren't teaching people this stuff in person you gotta do it man. that last story about your mom yelling at you to turn the music down as a way of describing how compression works would've made mixing a lot less intimidating back when i started, that would be PERFECT for a beginner, i hear so many talented young artists with absolutely no clue on recording and mixing techniques nor their importance and man, i would've loved to have had you as a music teacher in high school...and that our school somehow had a Recording and Mixing with a DAW class lol

[@micahbanda8994]

Thanks, best video I've seen for learning compression

[@chinooo___6159]

Bro thank you literally just help me understand how to use EQ and Compression and I’ve seen so many videos that didn’t make sense

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

The Wav Man, Man, Man! Your production quality and video content are ALWAYS on point! 🙌🏻💯

[@stochastic_elastic]

man, thank you for this video. this ish is not as confusing as i thought it was! you helped sm by explaining every part

[@FlairrAmalii]

Great teacher

[@beingreal8955]

Wow ive been searching this 4 ..three years now ...Bro Now I understand ...You made it clear ... Can you make Video in detail like this on how to mix Instrumentals ?🙇🙇

[@DorianGroup82]

Saved. Great video.

[@ilprescelto6672]

Glad you started again doing these tutorial, I always hoped in a return of the wavemanmanman

[@babyyybeaaaa]

you got the best tutorials bro i was thinking about going to school just to really understand mixing vocals right but i got everything i need on your channel thank you

[@lovejurri]

thank you very much I have just started a music uni course and this is so clear and helpful! one love

[@dustinsheffield7044]

Damn, you explained that better than any video I’ve seen so far. Awesome video!

[@Cutwithants]

hey man. thanks for the video, effortless to understood. with the analogy of the parents. this is very important for every video editor out there. they need to master this compressor fundamental.as video editor we need to understand all about audio fundamental beside the techinal editing itself. very happy to share your great content man!

[@athenawilliams1117]

Not gonna lie I been looking for you😍 you’re the teacher I’ve been needing ❤ you’re amazing!

[@maximusrecord8672]

Good video. You are good teacher. Some people don’t know how to explain things, It helps me a lot. Thanks brother

[@OddyWrld]

Wave. I been watchin your videos for years now. You never disappointed. Lit on a hunned🔥💯

[@qmonx]

The best explanation of compression yet! Good stuff! Fire channel by the way