VOCAL COMPRESSION SECRETS of the PROs

[@ColtCapperrune]

Really hope you all enjoy this one! Thanks for watching!

[@KarlGutowski]

It's PROs, not PRO's

[@cliffprowse3341]

@@KarlGutowski Gosh, what a huge mistake. I hope everyone can forgive him. Thanks, Mr. Grammar Nazi.

[@mcsweet1966]

Thanks I watch ALL your videos and always learn something !

[@bbmusic4983]

Awesome vid!!! Curious - did you use the 1176 during tracking as well? If so, what were the settings that you landed on? Thanks!! 🙏

[@antcall6779]

So good Colt! Please keep this type of videos coming! Happy holidays buddy 🤘

[@iamchillytoy]

I've *paid* for recording masterclasses that had less concrete information... I'm a tad envious of people who are starting out in audio with ressources of this quality and I think you're doing the community a great service with this easy to understand, "concepts applied to a real scenario" format. Thanks for the great video :)

[@bloomingbeats1318]

Check out the playlist on my profile called “engeineering”. Mathew Weiss, warren huart, etc. they are all brilliant engineers who you can trust.

[@dane4890]

Yep great stuff indeed 😁⭐

[@MixReady]

Re-watching this video to gain a fresh perspective on my go-to vocal processing moves and I find you here Raoul! Loving what you do!

[@dooshnukem32]

17 years into my recording and music production journey and I'm still learning new compression tricks and perspectives. Thanks for the great video, Colt!

[@WaterRiver777]

Lmaoo godayummm you late 😂😂😂😂😂

[@dooshnukem32]

@@WaterRiver777 you good? 🤔

[@WaterRiver777]

@@dooshnukem32 yea I'm good lmao 🤔

[@MrSasUGames]

We are learning all our entire life :)

[@artistic-wordplay]

We never stop learning. Nice to not be a dog because I wouldn't learn new tricks as I age.

[@KansasPrepper]

Hey Colt, I want to tell you as a guy old enough to be your old man, that your tutorials and videos in general are so much appreciated. When I get discouraged and feel like I am spinning my wheels your videos are motivational and encourages me to keep at it. Thanks for what you do to help others! Yes I did watch all the way to the end.

[@MiniGinni]

There's no way I wasn't sticking around for this entire video, after about 7-8 years of learning how to mix by myself, this is by far the absolute BEST video I have ever seen describing the usage of a compressor and thorough explanation on what each section of one does, well done man, well done!

[@tristanishtar8906]

I'm not new to compression, but darn if I didn't pick up new knowledge. Colt, you are a god! Thank you.

[@ColtCapperrune]

LOL, I’m just a nerd that loves audio! Thanks so much for watching!

[@unclemose]

THIS ! Is the comprehensive and understandable tutorial I think we've all been searching/waiting for. Playing the track while making REAL adjustments helps much more than saying "this or that level is where you wanna be" Seeing and hearing the real time application of level changing , attack and release settings and practical application of setting the correct depth of the vocal in the mix. Good stuff bro!

[@rickiejohnsonmusic]

OMG how many of these compressor videos have I sat thru and not understood or heard the difference. COLT!!!!! you are the MAN!!! when you had me listen to that vocal as you turned down the release time on the 1176 I could so easily hear the vocals getting pushed back into the mix. Also, using COUNTRY Artist for the example was so rare!!! Thanks so much for your work.

[@jaylasker2160]

Hi Colt. I am a frustrated home hobbyist who has struggled with with compression since my 1st mix. Your tutorial is BY FAR the best Compression tutorial I have watched in the past couple of years.. You are a gifted engineer and teacher. Gifted Engineers are a blessing, Gifted Teachers willing to share their passion are twice the blessing. I learned more from you in this one video than I have in the past 2 years combine. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge in such a humble and down to earth, comprehensive presentation. -Jay

[@BeejayMorgan]

Dude, this was fantastic. This is exactly the type of content I'm looking for. The way the release time affects our perception of distance is way cool! Thanks so much for doing this.

[@SarihnD]

I have found dozens of “how to compress vocals” KZbin vids, most of which are focused on recommended settings and levels rather than what you did, which is succinctly breaking down the aspects of what makes up compression, individually and as a whole. Now instead of just using recommended levels, I feel like I have more freedom make my own choices based on the new knowledge and understanding. Very well done, Colt. Subscribed and thank you!

[@badBoiSlots]

If you bus compression and side chain you basically can compress as harsh as you like but only feeding a small amount to the vocal

[@PateFamily_Sunny]

Best explanation of compression I have ever heard. I work in the CNC machine world and a lot of this relates to how we dial in servos and amplifiers. Come in hot and the machine is in your face and bucking like a bull. Come in slow and easy with ramps and acceleration, it then is as smooth as a baby’s bottom

[@the13thTone]

You've succesfully gotten me back into using my 1176;s for vocals, had taken a little break there for a minute, thanks!

[@ColtCapperrune]

Nice man!!

[@lmc48]

I made it to the end of the video.Good Job Colt.That Ross vocal sounded Rich when you stacked the Fabfilter MB Comp on top of the UA1176.Wow.good song too.

[@DJMontini94music]

For me, one of the best tricks from all KZbin vids, Great job master 💥💥🤘🤘🤘

[@TheK391]

always learning, thanks for the pro tip! fabfilter multiband was especially helpful. i did notice some artifacts in melodyne tuning, but maybe thats just me

[@johntrainsyou3702]

It's definitely tuned pretty hard.

[@CreateArtRecords]

Great Video! About Attack-Time: What you said is what most Peaple saying about Attack-Time. But I am not sure if that's really correct. I think it's the Time how long it needs to reach the full Attenuation. And not when the Attunation begins. That is more what I hear when Compression happens. And that explain me why a Compressor has a Groove. If the Attack-Time is faster then the Transient you will hear less Transient and so on like you learned.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Fair point, I was just doing my best to explain it in a way that someone who had no idea what compression was could understand it. Thanks for the comment!

[@CreateArtRecords]

You do it well! Thx

[@jettisonedgypsy]

Great stuff, man. I've been digging heavily into the technical side of recording and mixing for the past 6+ years and I've never seen the affect of release time demonstrated. Cool tip. Thanks!

[@HOOOOBS]

Most valuable point mentioned in the video for me: Set the compressor so at the quietest part, there's no compression. That's HUGE man. I've done weird things automating compressors in the past, which usually leads to uneven, unnatural changes. THANKS COLT! :D

[@milesaltman3503]

Dude, you did a great job of explaining some good old head techniques in a short KZbin video. Learning this craft in the pre-internet days was a whole lot of “what happens if I do this?” And man let me say that compression was the hardest thing for me to understand entirely. You gave 30 years of trial and error and consulting by phone with friends to a lot of people here, for free, in a concise and well instructed video. Also, that chorus is an ear worm, and pop country is not something I enjoy listening to. Good job to you and the artist

[@WhoisAvila]

love how much you broke down the compression types, very easy to understand!!! Thank you

[@Peter-gu9ph]

Having watched many dozens of KZbin videos explaining compression, I think this must be the best compression tutorial on all of KZbin! I fully understand everything you did because you explained it so well and in such detail. To my ears the vocal sounded more pop in style after you applied the third compressor, so I am gonna try that when working with highly dynamic vocals in pop songs. My favourite tip you shared is checking the softest part of the vocal does not get compressed - brilliant idea! Thanks for all the amazing tips!

[@DraftZJ]

your videos are the most consistently helpful videos on all of youtube. i find myself having an a-ha moment almost every video and liking them and saving them to rewatch later

[@REMRODFILMS]

this really works well in luna uad plugins, it's taken my mixes next level! you have great sounding stuff bro!

[@dspoet1]

This is by far the best video on compression I have seen. You have convinced me to get the 1176 and CL1B compressors. Will be ordering soon. Ima get the Fab Filter MB this week. Right now, I have a Neve Shelford Channel. I’ve taken the technique you used with the 1176 and applied to my vocals using the Diode Bridge Compressor on the Shelford. Worked like a charm . Can you do a part two for this video on how you did the eq (subtractive and additive) and delay/reverb on the vocals??

[@gurrajmusic2412]

absolutely most detailed and most helpful tutorial on youtube that I have ever seen. thanks a lot for this one

[@brettjr9521]

Wow this is by far the best compression video out

[@staticGenerator4You]

The best video on explaining what a compressor is ACTUALLY doing that I’ve seen. Fantastic!

[@tisbonus]

Colt my Dude! That explanation you gave on release time was stellar! I've been doin this for a long time, you know. I watch and listen to a bunch of folks, some famous some not. That was an 1176 tutorial on vocal placement. Much appreciated brutha, as always!

[@andrestepanian8108]

Finally compression explained really well and actually using the gear as you play the song...thanks ,love the channel.

[@_kingsbreed]

I made it to the end… still gonna watch it again because the information here is golden 🎉thank you for this amazing video

[@braddelallana3878]

I just started out my producing journey and this has helped me so much in demystifying the art of compression. Thanks so much!

[@prezelprescott8232]

Colt man that was the best class on compression I've seen yet. I've been watching you about a month now, very impressive. Thanks

[@JAMPROSOUND]

Great video. Dialing in the 1176 using the quiet part of the song has really helped me get the result I want in less time on an 1176. Very cool.

[@leonardodruscovich2131]

I already know how to use yet this tutorial would save me 10 years of trial and error. Awesome lesson, you're a legend!

[@ooowow3908]

Wow. I just want to let you know as someone who’s been trying to learn how to mix vocals in his spare time for 3 years, out of the hundreds of videos I’ve watched about compression, you have single-handedly blown them out of the water. With your descriptiveness, and how you explain HOW and WHY each and every knob of the compressor does what it does. Great job, great video, and you’ve earned my subscription, keep up the great work and thank you 🙌🏿

[@SoundAloneband]

Thanks for these videos man. The info you give is invaluable for us newbies. Compression is tricky. It is also very commonly used as an effect I have noticed on certain sections of songs or instruments such as intros or a small bridge to give the effect of being almost in the background or to give a section in front a build of volume. It took me a long time to understand compression and how to use it. Still learning. This was very useful. Thanks so much for your time!

[@IfilShortte-ej7eq]

Hey Colt. My name is Ifil Shortte. I'm from St. Vincent and the grenadines. You are by far the best teacher on these subjects. I love listening to you. Thank you so much for such in-dept enlightenment ...

[@mikeloosen53]

One of thee best explanations of using a compressor I’ve ever seen! Very well done!!! Thank you Colt! Super informative!

[@Wolfie99]

13 Minutes in and I've learned so much already in terms of methodology. Massive help! Thank you so much!

[@robvendetti]

Only my 2nd video Colt... you're the best teacher I've seen here. Very clear, and easily understandable.. appreciate it!

[@shieldyourenergy]

Love the videos, your one of my favorite mentors now, I love how informative you articulate your insight, truly resonates & makes me feel like a better producer. Wondering how you use Melodyne, I seen that on the mix bus too. Curious because I have melodyne but I really don't understand how to use it even after watching a few videos. Seems like people over complicate things a lot, thats what I appreciate most about your content, its all killer no filler, real raw to the point no fluff.

[@dldavidmusic]

I made it all the way to the end of this video! Really good explanation of how compression impacts the track and how the parameters wrk without getting too technical. Regardless of whether someone chooses to use your strategies, knowing the techniques to consider are a tremendous value. This one should be kept and watched multiple times.

[@ColtCapperrune]

Thanks for sticking around to the end, and for the kind words!

[@cliffkrice]

Made it to the end. I've been watching videos along this line for 2 days. This was the best and easiest to understand.

[@SoniclayersMusic]

I have watched numerous videos on compression and this by far is the best I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing!

[@ColtCapperrune]

Really appreciate that!

[@celotron648]

This is the first explanation in the past couple of years that I've been trying to grasp an understanding of compression, that actually made sense to me. Maybe the information you provided isn't exactly new or different than what i've heard before, but the way you executed your explanation and teaching style was everything I needed for something to click, man! Definitely subbed.

[@TUFFSTUFFProduction]

Thank you for your insight. I really appreciate your approach. I’ve followed you for a while now. I’m considering purchasing the Neve Master Bus Transformer because of your demonstration. I also loved the way you built both your main room and small room. Lastly, I love Focal Monitors. I have the twin B6’s. I would love to upgrade to the Tri 11’s. Grace, Peace and Blessings 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@EricSauerets]

Thanks for this tutorial. I'm brand new to production and I love how you quickly cover the basics so that newbies can follow along with the more in depth stuff. Also, I made it to the end.

[@robertmanger4179]

Thanks for the video in this longer form. Ive been struggling with working on vocal compressors. It was nice to see and hear what you were doing. Made some light bulbs go off! Thanks again!

[@biggtk3211]

This is so awesome. You really give valuable information and let us know new tricks in a very simplified manner without asking us to sign for a course to get the whole thing. Thank you man for this.

[@daviddaniels4075]

Never heard a compressor explained like that before. I do have to say I understand what I am listening for a lot more than I did. Great video.

[@richiekeyz8245]

The best explanation of compression I’ve ever heard on the internet

[@BrentSparks]

It's extraordinary how much sheer value you offer here. Really puts to rest the argument of those who try to mix with their eyes..."He's burrying the needle, can't be right". haha. But the results you demonstrate in this video are spot on imho. Dude's vocal ended up near perfect in the song! Thanks, for sharing!

[@flyyguy.ty7]

one of the best videos I’ve seen explaining compression in my short term spent learning, really love this!

[@LaurierLachance]

Man this song is gonna be stuck in my head forever probably 🤣 def need to download that

[@djrandalldean]

Made it to the end. Thanks! Reinforced some things I've read by showing them in action with excellent examples and paced just right for me.

[@talkGOD]

I don't usually leave comments but you asked if anyone got to this point (the end) then let you know.... so I am and whilst here this is your second video I watched tonight from London UK... I learnt so much about compression from you which was so helpful... thanks, Howard

[@prodmikedylan]

This is the most clear and insightful dive into compression i've seen so far!!! Killin it my man! Thank you.

[@Hollabak]

Big love and thanks for the knowledge king🙏

[@michaelconry3004]

I made it again, I’m 70, went through broadcasting in college starting in ‘70. I love your videos, good stuff.

[@KieferBudwell420]

Thanks for these videos. I've struggled to 'hear' compression for years after understanding the theory. This is super practical and insightful, I cant wait to see what you do in the future!

[@briokojobe340]

This was highly informative as I am just figuring out the tech side later in life. You did a great job keeping it relatable and moving the information forward without feeling rushed.

[@dangradinaru8627]

Hey there! Without the need of being rude or pedantic, most people get the attack and release wrong. 😅 The attack is the rate at which the compressor reaches the desired amount of gain reduction and the release is the rate at which the compressor restores that amount of gain. Both happen instantaneously, once the signal goes above/below the threshold. There is no delay between the crossing of the threshold and the compression attack on that signal. It’s a design thing especially the beginners should grasp I think. Sorry for the intrusion. 🤐

[@sincerelymace]

This is up there with one of the most useful videos I've seen from you thank you!

[@flash2k]

I'm so glad you explained about the 1 and 7 numbers being slow and fast, I've struggled with learning about compression, and I was even more confused than usual. It's often the details we miss out, that might help someone like me finally figure something out. Cheers. Great Sound by the way

[@DaddySupa1]

great advice thank u so I can better quality I thought unattainable in such a long time your a friend for life.

[@kingzthevessel7281]

Great in-depth video on compression by far the best I have seen on KZbin.

[@velvetsound]

This is the video on adjusting an outboard 1176 (I have the Audioscape) that I wish everyone else had produced years ago to save me many hours. I finally get how it works. Thank you so much! This video is a great mental model of how to use these tools. I’d love to see a video on compression during tracking.

[@yvesthomas9735]

man, i d like you to be there to give you a high 5. So efficient lesson, which takes us much further than most of other Chanels. Thank you, thank you !

[@seanroberts9224]

Great job explaining compression and the analogies about threshold, etc. thank you.

[@Ncogni]

Hands down some of the best advice I’ve ever heard. As others mentioned, you do FAR more than just throwing recommended settings. Because I found that I’d end up just looking up those settings, putting them in, maybe tweaking a knob or two slightly, and saying I guess that’s good. Now I feel like I can actually experiment and understand what’s happening. Also, what the frik is this song. I make it clear that I don’t care for country (I do acknowledge they have talented artists and hits, just not my style). But this song… I need it on my playlists Thanks man, for real! UPDATE: I read the description (lol) found the artist, and we’re good to go. I was so stuck on finding the song and I didn’t even think to look for the artist profile link

[@BelAnuRa]

One of the best explanations i saw in my life of it ! Grretings from Germany 🙂

[@PaulMcLeanMusic]

Hey Bud, thanks for taking the time out to help us with Compression, a big key to it all. Much love, Paul 🙋🏾‍♂️🎶🎶

[@ryansheffield752]

How could you not make it to the end! absolutely incredible video man! Even tho I understood compression going in I still left with a different level of confidence.

[@teashea1]

good video - organized - articulate - good production values - no endless repetition of the piece of information -

[@jasonbodden8816]

This was really good. Very clear, easy to understand videos. You just got a new subscriber, sir.

[@GHyde-x2g]

Ha same here! Just finished the whole video, liked, and subscribed too

[@jacklane3679]

Hey man, absolutely not really my music scene, but these vids are absolute gold for anyone and just wanted to put some love out there to you! Cheers!

[@ColtCapperrune]

Really appreciate it!

[@larrybrown1597]

Colt...thank you thank you thank you. Your explanation of compression is the best I've heard.

[@nicoeleich]

The info you give in your videos is gold... it took me years to understand things and get to a certain level and you display it and explain it in a fast and simple way. Really great content you have here...

[@samjoiner2226]

Damn straight I made it to the end of the video! So grateful for you taking the time to upload content like this, that’s taken you years to master, and we get it for free!

[@billesposito2112]

Phenomenal video you cleared up all of my questions . I've been singing for 30 some odd years but I've only been in the digital realm for a couple years. So thanks buddy . Your recordings sound tremendous.

[@NinoMcConico]

I made it to the end and I usually don’t comment on videos but this was such a great in-depth and informative tutorial I had to let you know. Thanks for the knowledge and I’ve subscribed and will follow you for more!

[@kurtzmillington8060]

Amazing tutorial. The clarity was quite refined. I have a better understanding of compression and I’ll use these tips in my next vocal mixes.

[@eskrimadorchris]

I really appreciated this tutorial. It hits the points about compressors and the philosophy of how and when to use them very well. "Know your gear" is a huge aspect I push, so seeing this and nodding almost the whole time is fantastic. Well done, and hats off to you for your excellent contribution to improving the audio engineering society!

[@firmans12]

Damn dude. Know your gear is the best things to begin with but the minus aspect is if i starting to use another compressor it really confuse me a lot lol.

[@eskrimadorchris]

@@firmans12 ...the minus aspect of adding another compressor? Do you mean your output looses volume after adding another compressor? If you don't adjust the gains on the compressor that loss will be heard depending on how much you compress. Remember that your signal is already being reduced when you compress the signal. You need to make up for that with either the input or output gain (whichever is available) and adjust the compression ratio, attack and release accordingly. There's more to it but that's the general idea. Every time you compress you average your signal...hence volume loss because the peaks are getting lowered. Anything past the threshold level is getting reduced. Hope that helps!

[@kennymartinez6896]

I appreciate everything you do for the sake of educating us newer engineers. You’re videos are thorough and very inspiring. Made it to the end of the video and im happy to be a subscriber

[@vatochango5400]

You really explained the 1176 so simply I haven’t heard anyone say it was a fixed threshold they always made it seam more complicated than it was but that really helped me understand thank you!!

[@extendedblundering]

I'm very glad I watched this, I liked learning about "fixed threshold". It somehow helped me understand the process a bit deeper, knowing I can both Push gain harder in as well as pull threshold down to affect quieter levels. kinda give and take

[@ReginaldScottRoss]

I'm at just 11 minutes in to this tutorial and my knowledge is elevated so much.... thank you.

[@dropwave9]

I made it to the end. Very informative. I'm using the CLA black lion audio 1176 with the fab filter multi band and love it. Thanks for all the info.

[@pop__rocks7775]

Great video. I’m still incredibly new to “seriously” recording and mixing and as I’m repeatedly practicing, these type of videos are making more and more sense. Each time I do it, my ears are picking up more and I’m gaining an understanding of what each knob/frequency/setting does. Thank you for explaining everything so well without using terms only advanced people would understand while not dumbing it down to boring levels. People if are reading this Like and Subscribe. It costs you nothing and helps theses creators immensely!

[@TheWaspist]

Normally i m annoyed by too many promotions advertisements but unlike other compressor vids online i found this vid pretty useful and better than others. so i ll subscribe .

[@luizmoco2531]

Dude. This was the best tutorial about compression. It was the one who really helped me understand. Thanks

[@allpdmusic]

Another great video by you Colt! Thanks!

[@TheTony0h]

Fabulous! Great instruction and delivery. Never really appreciated the full effect of compressor release time. Bravo 🎉

[@MichaeLance]

Hey Colt, before I start a session, I always like to either read an article or watch a video on recording/mixing/mastering and your videos have quickly become some of my favorite things to watch to get me ready to rock. Thanks for the inspiration. 7W

[@sifer2407]

Thanks for always showing your process. TY.

[@sirwanmusic]

Best compressor tutorials I’ve ever seen !

[@KC0MAE]

Made it to the end...LOL....I've been working on becoming a better mixer for about a year now. Never realized how much was involved in the process. I've learned so much from watching your videos and thank you so much for making them...

[@RohanRowe]

I made to the end and I definitely learned alot from your view of a compression.... Also the song has phenomenal feeling to jam too.

[@fundamentalsoundco]

I was like woah that 1176 plugin looks so realistic, and then I realized it was a real one lol! Thanks for this amazing deep dive, I really enjoyed it and appreciate your education content!