5 Compression Mistakes We All Make

Рет қаралды 164,070

Күн бұрын

➡️➡️Click here to download the 5 Compression Mistakes We All Make cheat sheet: producelikeapro.com/5-compres...
➡️➡️Click here to learn more about these common compression mistakes: producelikeapro.com/blog/5-co...
Today, I am sharing 5 Compression Mistakes We All Make! From using the wrong attack or release time, to not truly knowing why we are compressing something, these are things we are all guilty of!
5. Using Too Fast an Attack Time
This is probably one you have heard before, and I think that is quite valid, because if you use an extremely fast attack time, you are going to mess with your transient, especially with a plugin compressor, which has faster attack times than any piece of hardware could ever do. With plugins, you have look-ahead compressors, which basically annihilate that transient immediately. In most cases, you don’t actually want to do that.
4. Too Slow of a Release Time
You want your release time to be fast enough that it gets out of the way of the next transient, but you don’t want it to be so fast that it’s not really working. On the acoustic guitar I have been working on, when I slowed down the release time too much, it wasn’t getting out of the way of the next big transient, and ended up totally annihilating it, which is not something we want to happen!
3. Compressing For The Sake Of It
Are you just opening up your compressor and putting on the track because you feel like you should, or because you actually need to? It is so important to listen to your sources and make sure you understand exactly where you actually need a compressor, and where you do not.
Compressors are not just about controlling volume and dynamics, they are also providing you with different sounds. So before you reach for your compressor ask yourself why you are using it and make sure you have a reason.
2. Using Presets
I have experimented with presets and I like them when I am starting to get to know a piece of equipment. However, using a preset does not guarantee you the perfect sound. The person who created that preset, no matter how great they are, has not heard your source, they do not know what you are going to be running through that compressor, or how it was recorded.
Presets can be great tools to use as a starting place, or to get ideas of things you could do, but ultimately, learning you compressor, understanding how attack and release work, how the threshold works, and how to apply them is going to be a thousand times better than any preset.
1. Using Compression
The compressor is a tool that we often reach for in this digital world. However, the compressor is not the be all end all, and there may actually be other tools that will get you even better results. for example, saturation can be a way to round off transients in your snare, and may actually give you a louder, fuller sound than you would have gotten if you had used a compressor to round off the transients instead.
❤️My Favorite Plugins:
➡️Waves MV2: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Waves RBass: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Renaissance Vox: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Renaissance Compressor: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Warren Huart IR Pack lancasteraudio.com/shop/ir-pa...
➡️Warren Huart Kemper Pack lancasteraudio.com/shop/kempe...
❤️GEAR:
➡️Stealth Sonics: stealthsonics.com/?aff=3
➡️UK Sound 1173: vintageking.com/uk-sound-1173...
➡️Apollo x16: u.audio/apollox16-plap
➡️Apollo Twin: u.audio/apollotwin-plap
Join the community here:
Facebook Group
/ producelikeapro
Facebook Page:
/ producelikeapro
Instagram
/ producelikeapro
Twitter
/ producelikeapro
❤️❤️Free 3 Part Mixing Course:
• Happy Christmas! Here'...
Sign up here to get exclusive videos and content producelikeapro.com
#ProduceLikeAPro
#HomeRecording
#MixingTips
Giveaway Winners: www.producelikeapro.com/givea...
Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

Пікірлер: 658

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

What are your favorite compression tips & tricks?

@TheFeelButton 3 жыл бұрын

Tight blue jeans! Cheers Warren!!

@andreirlmeier 3 жыл бұрын

presets are a good point to start

@user-hy4xz1qt9h 3 жыл бұрын

i like to kiss a mix with famous compressors, little to no gain reduction. massage attack and release time. increase ratio slightly and give myself a pat on the back. I like the swag behind certain compressors

@TheLastMoomin 3 жыл бұрын

Focusrite red compressor has an auto release button, love it.

@elrole96 3 жыл бұрын

All in buttons setting on 1176 for parallel compression

@michaeltablet8577 3 жыл бұрын

You spent years learning to be a Master at recording and mixing and producing and you are willing to share your wisdom and experience to teach others for free. God bless you!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you ever so much my friend! That means a lot

@MuslimShortanov 3 жыл бұрын

God bless you man !! You teach for free! Word !

@mistermattbrat1 3 жыл бұрын

Have you ever made the mistake of tweaking attack/release times only to realize the compressor is bypassed? Asking for a friend. 😄

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Of course Matt! I've watched every Mixer do it as well! Haha

@neighbourhoodmusician 3 жыл бұрын

...and you only notice after you've gone "yeah..... yeah.... I think that's better now".

@LittaDNB 3 жыл бұрын

😂😂 so many times

@officialWWM 3 жыл бұрын

😂😂spending 5 mins staring at the metre, wondering why it's not moving 😂😂

@adamsmith7058 3 жыл бұрын

Yep and either you sit there thinking, "that ain't doing shit, try compressing it to hell see what happens, still nothing!". Or alternatively , "a real improvement, that sitting right now". If stuff like happens it's normally indicates, for me at least, that I need to stop for a few moments recentre myself and get back to the present and paying attention. Sometimes harder said than done.

@markshortall3384 3 жыл бұрын

I am doing marvellously well, thank you.

@RayAndre 3 жыл бұрын

I am also doing marvelously well, thanks.

@Funkybassuk 3 жыл бұрын

😆 legend

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

That's truly marvellous Mark!!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

@@RayAndre marvellous!!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

@@Funkybassuk marvellous indeed!

@SpectreSoundStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Killer stuff, Warren!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You Rock!!

@AgoraphobicLocust 3 жыл бұрын

Glenn, am i holding my mic right?

@charlesstuettgen1197 3 жыл бұрын

GLENNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!

@sadfasdsfgs5941 3 жыл бұрын

18:30 "More bite on the top !" Really not sure about this since the distortion sounds like it's cutting the highs above 2kHz ! :P

@sglaze56 3 жыл бұрын

When I'm helping interns learning how to mix, one task i give them is to mix a song without using EQ, or Reverb, and when I tell them to mix a song without using compression they often realize they really don't need compression on a lot of things, and often sounds better. Great video as always Warren

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Steven! Where do you teach? Thanks ever so much

@sglaze56 3 жыл бұрын

@@Producelikeapro Just working with the interns I've had at our studio, Helping them learn - passing along what knowledge I have.

@DJUwU 3 жыл бұрын

Keep it up! I am a Berklee student and I learn more actual stuff (like as in things that actually help me with my production) in your videos than some of the courses....

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much DJ!

@ardiris2715 3 жыл бұрын

A 20 minute video on other alternatives to compression (and/or eq) would be beneficial. Thanks!!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Marvellous idea Tim!!

@zachary963 3 жыл бұрын

I would watch that so fast! I mentioned above, I’ll sometimes use a fast compressor to tame bright materials.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

@@zachary963 wonderful! Thanks!

@keithrowe1007 3 жыл бұрын

Produce Like A Pro yes! Mic techniques and choices to lessen the amount of eq needed to get the job done. I’m guessing that another thi they had to do in the 60’s-70’s because of lack of access to production goodies.

@g6at791 3 жыл бұрын

I def need to see that

@OderMusic 3 жыл бұрын

"its just the way my brain works, and tbh it works really really nicely" - 4:48 🤣🤣🤣 Great tips Warren!

@seamjune5795 3 жыл бұрын

5. you can use fast attack to push back the sound. slow attack(about 10~30ms) to pull forward. 4. you can use release to get the groove. look at the dancing needle and hear the groove. 3. commonly we must use the compressor. so, put it on all tracks but you should know what you want from. 2. load preset and adjust the threshold. good? it's finished. bad? try to adjust the attack. still bad? try to adjust the release. 1. you should use compressor. or not, you can't get pro sound. compressor can adjust the distance of sound and it's necessary. so, it's needed always. listen to hit song, is it stable? without compressor, you can't make that sound. he wants you can hear the sound by ton of experiments.

@SidneyAugustoDaSilva 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my God! This is gold! It took me a lot failures, ugly mixes and masters to realize I was making everything too ‘tweaked’. So I learned to listen to the song in the raw state before any tweak.

@prinsezkaffeehexen8196 Жыл бұрын

Your tips about using two comps was life changing for me, I thought my songs sounded good but then I tried it and suddenly everything sounded clearer, more dynamic, more powerful... Especially useful on bass, kick, drum bus... But I tried it everywhere and it works every time! Only case I don't find it that useful is on a solo distorted guitar, but then it does wonders when used on a guitar bus with 2 or more guitar tracks! I almost completely stopped using limiters since I discovered that!

@daddyslittlejunkies 3 жыл бұрын

since the 60s? really? started at 2 years old? impressive. you look way younger than that to me. i see you are doing marvelously well.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Haha yes, I was a twinkle on my Dad’s eyes and producing albums haha

@MRorPA 3 жыл бұрын

I often have a hard time deciding on the attack time, especially with track such as acoustic guitars - lots of transients but not as extreme as with drums. The way I try to approach it is to play a short section with a transient over and over, exaggerate the compression and just sweep the attack setting from shortes to longest until I find the setting where it kicks in just after the full transient. Still have a lot to learn

@jonathanbyrdmusic 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been pushing the neve 1073 pres in the Unison stage of my UAD Apollo as I track. 300% less work mixing. I use compressors much more for color now, rather than dynamics.

@matttorrence2900 2 жыл бұрын

Warren is a diamond geezer!

@Producelikeapro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt! I really appreciate it

@bennyl.5 Жыл бұрын

I often use compression on distorted guitars, even though technically already compressed. The reason being that with the proper release time it will allow the guitars to take up more sonic space in a good way. Although only 2 or 3 db of reduction going on

@junimeme5626 3 жыл бұрын

The point about adding a compressor to everything "just because". AMAZING tip! People easily fall into the habit of compressing everything and turning their mixes into loud sausages. Mix with your ears, friends. I gotta say, as a long time mid 20s bedroom producer I feel so happy seeing and almost predicting some of the tweaks you do with the plugins in the videos. I'm not there yet, but I'm happy to have found someone really experienced doing it properly and I'm taking notes like a madman! Insta subscribed.

@junimeme5626 Жыл бұрын

Woah just found my own comment from two years ago.

@Charlyfromthenuclearcity 3 жыл бұрын

18:30 "More bite on the top !" Really not sure about this since the distortion sounds like it's cutting the highs above 2kHz ! :P

@patxiplg 3 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%! But we got his point... :)

@scottydogg278 3 жыл бұрын

In here with a message I needed to hear - not just blindly applying compression because "I'm supposed to"

@stupendousmusic4190 3 жыл бұрын

Finally! Thank you for number 1! Bruce Swedien on Pensado's Place: "Compression is for kids." Glyn Johns uses an AKG C414 in figure 8 without any compression or limiting when recording bass. I try to avoid using compression on just about everything, as much as possible.

@jc.1191 2 жыл бұрын

I've made way too many compression mistakes over the years. Especially starting out.

@TheUnwritersOfficialChannel 3 жыл бұрын

Wow.. The end of the video is amazing for two reasons: 1st you are 1000% right about the compression, use it or not & why .. 2nd (smile) the overdrive thing is huge. We use this trick often (almost always) as also tapes. We tried several times the compression, the EQ, limiter, changing microphones for the drums (most difficult instrument to record and mix, as you well know). So far the best we have had with drums has been done with very little compression, we were working on the equalizer and pedals for the recording !! I see your face. It might be crazy to do it like this, because when it comes to mixing, you don't really have a choice if you make a mistake while recording. Anyway, this video is fabulous, Warren, you help a lot of people!! Cheers!

@zachary963 3 жыл бұрын

I recently got BreakTweaker, and the only option it really has for changing a drum hit sound is distortion. Suddenly I’ve been introduced to a world where distortion does all my work for me - EQ, compression, gain, everything, and it’s thoroughly amazing what kind of results a drive knob and a tone knob can get you

@JonnyPink65 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the BEST talks about compressors I have heard. These was so much we did with the tape, going though other pieces of gear to get the delay - all in a box now - that says it all. Fantastic video!!!

@vivekphilip4970 3 жыл бұрын

Invaluable advice! Thank you!

@mattevans1427 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the guitar overdrive to beef up the snare!

@Producelikeapro 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!!

@marcocarbone_ 3 жыл бұрын

i'm italian, not good in english, but i understood every single word. I thank you a lot, you helped me.

@rickvanmeijel 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful tips Warren, thanks!

@johnvalther Жыл бұрын

Thank you Warren.

@havefun3015 3 жыл бұрын

great video! just loved all the series!

@StillJustACat 3 жыл бұрын

Very good point, your number one! Nice.

@davidallenhammond2777 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent useful info, thank you so much Warren.

@AlexeySolovievMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Warren for all of your wonderful tricks!

@HitTheRoadMusicStudio 3 жыл бұрын

Catch those peaks !!! Fantastic video, thank you for this great tips and good vibes ✌

@afi6061 3 жыл бұрын

Great tip to use the limiter for peaks! 👍👏 You mention too fast an attack, what about for sidechain, where you need, for example, a bass, out the way of the kick? Great advice all round. 👍

@neptunerhythms9737 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the GOLDEN knowledge. Certainly the best teaching on the FUN and DANGERS of compression. I know we all have our own ways of doing things. But for me, I think one of the best ways if not the best way to approach a compressor is by first setting your ratio, attack and release before you ever touch the threshold. I used to go for the threshold first which is what a lot of us like to do. I realize that setting your threshold last give you more flexibility and more control, dominance over a sound. You will be able to discern quickly where you want your compression to start. And if you need to reconfigure your ratio, attack and release it becomes even easier to do. I Just think its better when you already know your parameters for ratio, attack and release and then you configure them first and then just activate them with your threshold all at once. I think it just makes it easier for your brain to even catch what's going on quicker than the common way we are used to. We can picture a sound like a well, the threshold like the leash or rope and the ratio,attack,release are the weighty carriers that go down the well. It is easier to lower the carrier when it's first attached to the leash than when you first throw the leash down into the well and then later try to attach the carrier. You will still be able achieve your aim either way. Of course you'll draw some water out of the well at the end but the later is definitely a little more stressful.

@Youturnswillie 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you for these compression insights

@Dan-kb2oz 3 жыл бұрын

“I’m getting wise and I’m feeling so bohemian like you” 😜 Cheers Warren!

@wizmos74 3 жыл бұрын

Always mega informative. Thank you Warren for another idea

@valentinefeldbaum2208 3 жыл бұрын

Thank So much ! So helpful and so honest !

@irecki1 3 жыл бұрын

Love watching this channel, Warren, you’re so good!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much!!

@michaelcox8702 11 ай бұрын

Warren, your the greatest, thanks so much for sharing .

@nichttuntun3364 3 жыл бұрын

Very interesting subject. Thank you. Stay safe and sound.

@Middlestepofficial 3 жыл бұрын

I love the rear buss technique from Scheps. It is indeed something when it comes to recording heavier music.

@RyanKajtor 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been having trouble getting mixes that I like and it never even dawned on me why I put a compressor on things. I just thought it was the way to go. Thanks for this video. Gave me a better perspective as to how I approach mixing.

@jonasmccloud7578 3 жыл бұрын

Marvellous stuff! Thanks Warren🙏

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much

@finnie 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, great to learn this, my favourite channel on youtube!

@waynemason6162 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you much! Awesome info!

@TheTrueTeknician 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you for the information!

@casinoroyale7162 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a ton Warren! You are such a legend for sharing your knowledge with the world.

@stephenpomeroy482 3 жыл бұрын

Just a great tutorial. Thank you

@TheSabotaje 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for advice in the end, really opens my mind for clarity

@vitalyzhukovsky2927 3 жыл бұрын

You're amazing, Warren! All of your stuff is very useful! Thank you!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much!!

@TheWwhhiizzzz 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. One of the best examples of release time I've seen with the guitar loop.

@benconcepcion4647 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid! I struggled with release times in the past, but now I have a better understanding of how to use it with the attack

@tondermusic 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing, thank you very much, Warren!

@neovxr 3 жыл бұрын

another very useful session, esp. about the use of two compressors with different tasks.

@TomCawoski 3 жыл бұрын

Great tips for compression. Thanks for all you do Warren!!!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome Tom!!

@PLively 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video!!! Thank you! I'm going to revisit some of my mixes and look to playing around with overdrive more often. I'm learning so much!

@TeddyLeppard 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful! Few audio engineers on KZfaq get into the nuts and bolts with such technical clarity. Thanks!

@cbrooks0905 3 жыл бұрын

Number 1 is definitely killer. I definitely find myself reaching for distortion and saturation before eqs and compressors. You just validated my notions. Thanks, Warren! You are the man.

@nathanjon9586 3 жыл бұрын

hehehe 'compreset' love your videos warren im sure you make a killing from them but you are the bedroom producer's hero and i thank you. I hope youre doing marvellously well

@Producelikeapro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Nathan! You Rock!

@danielporter8588 2 жыл бұрын

Love this sort of content! very helpful!

@Producelikeapro 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Daniel!

@greenphil888 3 жыл бұрын

I learned a lot! Thanks mate!

@Dimelo_Rai 3 жыл бұрын

Marc, Scheps & Warren are MASTERS 🔥🔥🔥 I keep getting better... but I’m not even CLOSE to their expertise 💪🏼💯🔊🔥

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

You’re very kind

@Boomtrooper 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I watched this to the end - just the best advice and demonstration of principle I've ever seen - thanks!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much!!! You Rock

@MuslimShortanov 3 жыл бұрын

Priceless tips ! You are real sensei level man !

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much

@youngjdi 3 жыл бұрын

I can't thank you enough for what you do. Your videos are the BEST!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Shawn!

@Migesteban 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so awesome!

@sea-ferring 3 жыл бұрын

I would be curious to hear your opinion on use of compression in live sound versus the studio. I have always felt (no formal audio mixing education - mostly self taught) that in live sound you use compression much more heavily (within reason obviously) to make sure that everything is seated in the mix, while in the studio you have to be much more surgical because a recorded mix is so much more difficult in terms of retaining dynamics and excitement. Does this sound like it makes sense or have i just made something up to justify my love of compression 🤣

@GoldTopDeluxe70 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent observations. I’m feeling guilty of “grabbing “ for compression and over compressing but I am in recovery! Thank you for the boost! Great as always...

@TheFoxRockMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful video! Thanx a lot!

@waltervonspecht1794 3 жыл бұрын

You're so clear explaining Warren, this is the best compression tutorial on youtube, thanks!

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much Walter!

@MrTimdriver 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent stuff!

@23thkr 3 жыл бұрын

The most informative video on compression I've ever stumbled upon. Great lesson to make the use of compression sound more musical

@MertensHelbelga 3 жыл бұрын

YES! Thank you for this! This channel not only has gaven me knowledge but also the ability to think more creatively around mixing! With DAWs you have all to your disposal to create lots of colours

@thesearethesuns Жыл бұрын

Super useful content in this episode - I’m really thinking about compression in a way that I wouldn’t have before. Thanks so much! 😀

@royglennie 3 жыл бұрын

Super useful as always Warren! I've all done those haha!

@davemcclelland3164 3 жыл бұрын

You're making my head spin, reminding me of all the little the things I learned as an intern 25 years ago sitting behind the producers and SSL400G+. I was very fortunate to be part of so many great sessions, learning. I'm just now really getting back into it and redeveloping my ears and skills in the digital realm. These videos are freaking priceless man. Thank you so much! Cheers from Seattle!

@lethargogpeterson4083 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for putting the meat of the tips in the video description text. It makes it so easy to get a preview of what is going on.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Glad to be able to help!

@napynap 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! Over the years, I've learned that compression is the greatest 'effect' to understand before adding effects.

@maseratifittipaldi 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff, as usual !

@wallbangersplace9873 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!!! In all of my years of using compression I can’t believe how much I can still learn from watching and listening to you Warren. Thank you 🙏🏼 all of your tips are priceless.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks ever so much

@travycemusic1222 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your experience

@QuintonBaker32 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been trying to figure this out for years man. I finally understand it because of how you explained it! Great Video! Thanks !

@joxer96 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience with us, valuable stuff.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much!!

@hannes1734 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this information, Ted Mosby.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much Ted for your great comment!

@jimmyaudiophreak1671 3 жыл бұрын

Super video man. I make sooo many mistakes comping. This will help me massively😁✌️

@nuvisionprinting 3 жыл бұрын

Another amazing video Warren! Thank you ever so much for what you are doing! Much love from the land down under! Hope you are doing well mate!

@akashatemple9011 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much again for this mentoring. I am mixing down an album that has taken me years and your compression, reverb and eq have answered questions about why it doesn’t sound right. Really appreciate it.

@petegreenfield8366 3 жыл бұрын

Great as ever. Thanks Warren. I joined the academy last week. Looking forward to learning more. PETE

@paolotonolo1140 3 жыл бұрын

MR.Huart, I can't thank you enough for these great Vids , I find myself going back to many of them, using them for reference.?.Bravo Sir.

@Producelikeapro 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ever so much my friend

@CW.419 3 жыл бұрын

I absolutely LOVE your videos and insight. You are superb at explaining things and usually if I have a question about something in my mix or when it comes to capturing, You have a video for it. I’ve learned SO much from these videos. Such Gold.