Understanding One Knob Compressors on Mixing desks

Have you ever wondered how the One Knob Compression on mixing desks works? I did some experiments and here are my results.
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[@GrantsV5]

As you turn the knob up, the ratio rises, the threshold falls, and the makeup gain rises. Attack and release are fixed. The knob sets the ratio. 1) First you would decide how heavy a ratio you want, turning up the compression knob accordingly (from zero to 4:1 at max) 2) Secondly, adjust the preamp's level until the compression light comes on. The more you crank the level the more you are hitting the threshold and the more compression at that particular ratio is applied. From the Yamaha MG-series manual (similar if not the same as the Xenyx compression): • Threshold: +22 dBu to -8 dBu • Ratio: 1:1 to 4 :1 • Output gain: 0 dB to +7 dB • Attack time: Approximately 25 ms • Release time: Approximately 300 ms

[@azucar151]

Brother I learned more from your short and to the point comment than by watching the tedious 10 minute video. After further research It seems to me that the author is a bit confused about the subject and therefore fails to properly articulate the functioning of the one knob compressor which combines threshold/ratio/gain... thank you very much for posting !

[@KunalVaidya]

in 2020 too this is the only sensible explanation and demo of the one-knob-compressor. This makes my decision lean more towards q502usb mixer rather than stand-alone UMC22 interface

[@clintwhite3021]

I have the bigger version of this desk and when I use the compression I don't go above 9-10ish otherwise it seems to get to bright on the acoustic. Vocals seem ok to about 11. The led rarely comes on unless something is super spikey or the gain is way up (too much), maybe that is when the threashold is reached but it still has effect. I also tried my mooer yellow comp on the acoustic. Seemed to sound nicer. Still learning about compression though.

[@hariffasgarally]

very nice video sir, thanking you so much for sharing the knoledge

[@danielandrespat]

Thanks pal, i have a similar mixer, 1002 USB, and i was confused with this one knob, and didn´t find anything as clear and simple as you posted here. Very appreciated. Suscribed and will check your web site. Best !

[@RecordingStudio9]

+Daniel Patino Thanks for the comment. Glad it helped you to have bit more understanding of what it does.

[@opuslove5202]

Just turn the knob 'till you like what you hear.

[@raysanchez4373]

Excellent info...

[@VidadeProducer]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@eduardojoab7116]

Ótima explicação. Para quem não sabe configurar um compressor esse de um Knob é uma mão na roda.

[@tboylen1]

The problem is that you used unity as your base line. The hint with using this knob is to look at the (admittedly very small) graphic. At lower inputs, as the dial is closer to to 7p the compressor (which I think would be better labelled compressor/expander) seems to amplify quieter sounds and reduce the higher volumes. As you turn the dial clockwise you get a more linear response - exactly like the graphic. That's why your 'quiet' sounds seemed to amplify when you added compression - the louder noises were still compressed, but the lower noises were allowed through at the actual volume. And that is exactly how a single knob compressor should work. I would recommend you try the experiment again, but with a quieter baseline - maybe -20db.

[@RecordingStudio9]

Thanks for the comments. I'll try the suggested experiment.

[@rogerj.fugere3570]

Thank you Terrence, for that succinct explanation. Your first paragraph, starting with "The hint..." is the best tip I've had to explaining how to use that (confounded) knob. My remaining question is this, At what point in the knob setting do the two lines in the graph meet? With that knowledge I will be better able to judge which direction to adjust the knob for each particular situation/voice/instrument.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Is this really noticeable when you play live vocals turning the knob more or little

[@RecordingStudio9]

Yes, you should hear the difference as you turn the knob from min to max.

[@markwyar942]

Thank you for your great & visual experiment! How do you think this 1 knob compressor would work if running an entire mix into 1 channel (ie, for a church livestream application)?

[@RecordingStudio9]

Sure, it will work as a general leveler with a Mid setting.

[@markwyar942]

@@RecordingStudio9 Thank you for your reply. And again I want to compliment you on your experiment and analysis in your video 👊

[@davidtaylor9283]

Good video. Thanks for the information

[@ceejaycjmusic]

Sir, is it this one knob compressor same as stand alone compressor, i heard from someone that says this one knob compressor on mixer if we want minimise compression the knob should be at 5 o'clock because compressor level is opposite, is it true...

[@RecordingStudio9]

+ceejay music Normally, any knob value increases clockwise, so 7pm position is no compression, 5pm position is full compression. But as with one knob compression, different settings have different attack and compression values. Best to try for most suited.

[@ceejaycjmusic]

+RecordingStudio9.com Thank you Sir for the explanation...

[@noshow]

Looks promising, does it sound good?

[@RecordingStudio9]

They are designed to allow some levelled audio very quickly. Depending on the audio source, you can get good result for live mixing use. For vocals, I use 30-40%. Guitar amp micing, about 60%, kick drums about 40-70% and keyboards, about 10-20%. Generally, just use your ear to decide. Normally at 90-100%, you can get feedback during live mixing, if you are not careful. Hope that helps.

[@adriannewington]

This basic but slightly helpful info came from the behringer website: "...The red LED indicator next to the compression control will show that the compressor has been engaged, (the signal has crossed the threshold for the effect to start compressing). The knob itself is a "blend" or "mix" dial of the effect while the LED will show when signal is actually being compressed. In other words, if you turn it all the way up, but no signal is running through the channel, the light will not be on until signal comes through again..."

[@opuslove5202]

Just turn the knob 'till you like what you hear.

[@leogolive]

That sums it all up! Plain and simple! 🤣