The Importance of Compression: Control Your Tone

To work correctly with the compressor and truly hear its effect, and exactly what we are doing, we set the compressor to maximum compression. Both the Threshold and the Ratio are set to their maximum values (as shown in the image).

Immediately after that we work only with the Attack and Release, listening carefully to how the compressor changes the sound, stabilizing it and adding a pumping effect until we reach the desired result.

Immediately after that we work only with the Attack and Release, listening carefully to how the compressor changes the sound, stabilizing it and adding a pumping effect until we reach the desired result.

Only then do we start restoring the main parameters. We begin with the Ratio, positioning it where it feels "right," and only then do we gradually bring back the Threshold while watching the meter for the amount of compression (GR) until we achieve the desired level on the signal. At that point you can check the change made by the compressor using the Bypass button. This method allows us to work much more effectively and trains our ears to recognize what it does to our source.

A small tip: because maximum compression causes the volume to drop significantly, it is recommended to use Makeup Gain to compensate for the lost volume so you can better hear the compressor's work. When you begin restoring the values, be sure to return the Makeup (volume compensation) to the original level.