How To Use A Compressor | Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release & More

Рет қаралды 261,408

Күн бұрын

What is a compressor and how do you properly use one? In this video, you'll learn what each setting on a compressor does, including threshold, ratio, makeup gain, attack, release, hold and knee.
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0:00 - What Is Compression?
0:31 - How To Use A Compressor
1:09 - Threshold
1:27 - Ratio
2:00 - Gain Reduction
3:37 - Makeup Gain
4:18 - Attack
5:06 - Release
5:26 - Hold
5:45 - Knee
6:13 - Wet / Dry
6:41 - Subscribe To Audio University!
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Пікірлер: 757

@1337murk 2 жыл бұрын

The attack is actually how long the compressor takes to achieve the full ratio of compression, not exactly 'how quickly it will act'. It will act the moment the program material passes the threshold. It's important to view this in the right way for shaping the dynamics on a nuanced level, and when using a compressor as a kind of 'timed eq' etc

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Well said, Benj. I struggled to find the wording prior to explaining “gain reduction”. My plan is to create a more in-depth video on attack and release. I will borrow your wording if that’s alright, so as to prevent ambiguity and confusion. Thanks!

@1337murk 2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioUniversity Sure! Np glad to help, you seem to have some good videos!

@dv5150 2 жыл бұрын

The only video about compression that I found easy to understand, many thanks!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Dávid! Glad it’s helpful!

@SainttGee444 Жыл бұрын

On god, I didn’t even get it when my professor explained it!!!

@jeltohn4722 2 жыл бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold. Kyle, you are hands down among the best teachers on youtube. You make well structured videos that are easy to understand and cover nothing more or less than what should be covered. We can't praise the quality of your teaching enough!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks, Jeltohn!

@ferraris26 Жыл бұрын

I will second that. It's not just an info dump, instead, you take the time to explain and then demonstrate what everything sounds like. Which in turn means more clarity and understanding, and less to straight up memorize

@sebastiansahlman4754 Жыл бұрын

Agreed. Great video, very clear. Thank you

@nikakublashvili1817 4 ай бұрын

he is the best!!!

@clicks59 2 жыл бұрын

Best explanation yet. Thank you.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, TB Player!

@jordanlear7390 2 жыл бұрын

You're so good at this, you could literally teach audio production to 2nd graders and they would understand. Fantastic job

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jordan!

@retskni 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Kyle! As per your request: yes, I understand ratio and threshold. Wish to commend you on how well you take us learners through the specific parameters of compression. You anticipate (and appreciate) the issues folk encounter using this tool. Your vids are concise and on point without unnecessary verbiage. Highly recommendable!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mr James! I appreciate you taking the time to write this very nice comment.

@purplehazeto 2 ай бұрын

Honestly, looked up tons of audio compression related stuff onlione before.. this video is probably the easiest so far for me to kind of grasp. thank you man.

@AudioUniversity 2 ай бұрын

Glad it helped!

@RealDavidN 8 күн бұрын

i understand ratio and threshold, attack and release, the whole thing. Excellent comprehensive explanation. Thanks!

@jrunt7436 5 ай бұрын

Very well articulated, this really clarified clearly how compression works. I now understand treshold and ratio, attack, wet and dry signal, and so much more. Thank you!

@RopeSwingDreams Жыл бұрын

This is an amazing video. I understand the concepts being taught. I have been wanting to learn these kinds of techniques for awhile, and this is an amazing resource for doing so. Thank you!

@franbert6218 Жыл бұрын

It’s a pleasure watching your videos. I know most of these concepts but I still enjoy watching your channel. You make it all look easy, but I know there is a lot of preparation to goes in each of your videos. You’re a natural teacher. Keep up the good work

@unexempt 2 жыл бұрын

Easily one of the best channels on KZfaq. Keep up the great work guys, you are teaching and inspiring the musicians of the future!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, ALX. Taylor!

@cidgage Жыл бұрын

I have a much better understanding of threshold and ratio. thanks for the vid!

@Alfernav Жыл бұрын

This video is Gold. And the visualisation of this plug-in is amazing… now I want it!

@donlazov2443 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this tutorial, really added to my 'toolbox' of sound mixing/engineering for me. I get threshold and ratio much better now, many thanks!

@alexshevchenko7568 4 ай бұрын

This is the best explanation and visualisation of how the compression works! Thanks, man!

@fedrorikasio4299 Жыл бұрын

I understand the whole picture of compression now, thanks you ! Btw I am a starter at sound mixing and mastering, I'll soon start record my drums I just both - Tama Star classic and will play a lot with the understanding I got from your video. Not just this one, but the content you put here in KZfaq is one of the most wonderful things for starters/pro's! Cheers from Bulgaria.

@joseluismendoza374 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the video. I have been confused how to use a compressor for awhile now but the visuals and explanation really helped. Thanks!!

@guy_incognito 6 ай бұрын

The clearest explanation of compression and the various compression settings I have ever heard. Thank you!

@jonathanlubamba263 2 жыл бұрын

How did you know, I was even researching for that. Thank you.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help, Jonathan!

@Fretjoe 7 ай бұрын

This is the BEST video explaining in clear terms how compression works, and what the terms mean, great job

@yungprophetmusic Жыл бұрын

You and Michael from in the Mix, are both one of the greatest teachers for this out there

@ManleyWalker 2 жыл бұрын

This channel showed up in my feed for the first time today and I couldn't be happier. I've always struggled with compression and this was the clearest explanation I've heard yet. Well done! Liked and subscribed.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that, Manley! Thanks!

@senormachado2035 4 ай бұрын

Best tutorial ever! I understand ratio and threshold. Thanks Kyle!.

@pulankaoutdoordesign 2 ай бұрын

As always....a fine and clear instruction. Its nice to see you take the time to explain things. Makes it easy to watch. Thanks.

@mudrahel.philosophovich Жыл бұрын

The best YT channel in audio theme! Thanks!

@nicolasmartz3793 Жыл бұрын

thank so much! This is by far the best and clearest explanation I could find on KZfaq about compression. It must be said that the GUI of that Fabfilter proC² plugin also helps greatly to understand and visually follow the effects of each of the settings.

@intheflowers6245 8 ай бұрын

i understand ratio and threshold. very well explained! thank you

@aceytv4951 2 жыл бұрын

I just started recording at home a few days ago and this has been a life saver! One of the few clear explanations I've seen so far, and deffonitely the best out of them.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks, Acey TV!

@alessandrosamueleslavu6987 11 ай бұрын

the only video on youtube that actually helps me understand, great teacher man great teacher, I subscribed after just watchin one of your vids

@bigstonez1125 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man, I love how all your videos can get really technical and in-depth while still staying very easy to follow along with and understand…new sub!

@AudioUniversity Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them! That's exactly what I want to hear! Thank you for watching and subscribing. Let me know if there are any topics you'd like to see covered in future videos.

@kargo3906 2 жыл бұрын

i usually don't comment anywhere but yup u made me. totally easy to pickup, amazing way of teaching. keep it up. u got a sub!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, kargo! I appreciate you taking the time to comment and subscribe!

@kargo3906 2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioUniversity you're welcome.

@alanblumlein Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial Kyle - Very clear, concise and interesting to watch.

@afterift 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this clear explanation of compression. I've been trying to learn how to use compression for about 2 years now, and I feel like I'm just starting to understand how to use it properly. I struggle a lot to hear compression (unless it's exaggerated), and so the visuals of what's happening to my signal are a big help. I don't want to rely on the visuals too often though, or else I'm just mixing with my eyes. I'm sure I'll get better with hearing subtle compression over time, or at least I hope so!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

You'll definitely get better with practice, Afterift. I think it's especially helpful to know what each setting does, set an intention of what you want to do with the compressor, and work toward that goal with the various settings. Knowing what you want to do with the compressor BEFORE compressing is very powerful. Good luck! Thanks for watching.

@BrunoDestrez 2 жыл бұрын

One of the best teachings I’ve seen about compression basic concepts so far. Another one (or several) video about what control helps achieve what (in a musical way rather than technicl) would be awesome.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bruno. I’m working on a video like this currently!

@jayninety5172 Жыл бұрын

You're a skilled teacher, I didn't understand compression better up until now. Thank you.

@mrboss7580 Жыл бұрын

Very good, I have recently taught myself production and did understand compression, yet this is very helpful to getting a further understanding of why certain compression values do certain things

@Tzeegun 2 жыл бұрын

the best explanation about compressor basics I've ever heard, and so far I heard them a lot. Some of them were good and clear, many of them were not easy to understand. I am impressed and really grateful on this.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video!

@user-ru1ql9pm7k Жыл бұрын

You helped me understand compressing a lot better. I also now understand the concept of threshold frequencies. Thanks alot

@markzangeneh Жыл бұрын

I understand ratio, threshold and makeup gain. Very well explained. Thank you !

@arshakmkhitaryan7039 Ай бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold. Your videos are incredible! Thank you!

@nunolance23 6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this. Having the visual representation helps a ton! I now understand ratio and threshold!

@michaelmassaro3483 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely one of the best explanations of how a compressor works that I've come across. Thank you!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Michael!

@michjackfan1534 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos always finds me at the right times (around 3AM here when you posted this) lol. Woke up and had to watch again to sink in the info. I always have trouble truly figuring out the compressor, and this vid definitely helps me with that! Your teaching is great; straight to the point in the best way possible. Cheers !

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to watch even at 3am! I’m glad it was helpful, michjackfan!

@ks42555 Жыл бұрын

I’m definitely understanding ratio and threshold. Thanks for this great video man 🙌🏼🙌🏼

@JeremiahTrue 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining the ratios and threshold settings. I never really understood the why of a compressor but you cleared up a lot of my confusion with this.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help, Jeremiah! Thanks!

@ricardmilos4308 10 ай бұрын

Very well explained and clear definitions. This is a very difficult issue in sound engineering specially for newbies. With so much subtleties and almost not- perceptible effects on your results, one thing is to understand the basic mechanics of it, but how to apply it in practice takes a hell of lot of knowledge, experience and sensitivity from the engineer. Thanks AU, you make really good stuff!!

@guitarmike595 11 ай бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold This is the best video I've seen that explains the controls of a compressor.

@NonnyStrikes 3 ай бұрын

It's incredible how much more valuable these videos become after you've spent time with live sound. Truly, thank you again.

@DAP-TV 9 ай бұрын

Excellent video. The best I’ve seen thus far.

@newagedawn 6 ай бұрын

ya, i understand compression and your vid explains it very well !!!, thanks for not making an hr long vid for 7 min worth of material,......its a win!!!!!!!! please keep em short

@joshuamaddox4105 2 жыл бұрын

I understand threshold and ratio! Bro this is amazing. It was very easy to understand and I watched this a couple of times to solidify it in my brain. It’s never leaving! Thanks!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Very glad to hear that, Joshua! Thanks for watching.

@nikakublashvili1817 4 ай бұрын

hands down you are the best online teacher i sweat to god! thank you so much for all knowledge that you gave to me!

@stevegrise1571 2 жыл бұрын

WOW ! This is the best video about compression. Concise, very visual, clear and complete.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching, Steve!

@KingChingCheung 7 ай бұрын

THANK YOU SO MUCH ! You are good people!

@ValentinMalanetski Жыл бұрын

I will use this video to send as a reference for people who don’t know it yet! As always, perfectly clear explanations. Thank you!

@dewaadrian 2 жыл бұрын

Finally I understand what is and how to use compressor. what a great clear video. Big Thanks, Kyle. This is the best explanation of compression on KZfaq, ever!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, Dewa! Thanks for watching and continuing to support the channel!

@dewaadrian 2 жыл бұрын

@@AudioUniversity my pleasure, Kyle. all the best

@greenpea9412 Жыл бұрын

I understand ratio and thresh hold but now have a visual that ties it all together. These video's are fantastic.

@AudioUniversity Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Greenpea!

@CaveMonJones 2 жыл бұрын

I understood what was presented by you do clearly. Thank you for clarifying such differentiation within the options of a compressor. Be well!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

I’m happy to help, CaveMan Jones! Thank you for watching the video.

@JeremyChone Жыл бұрын

Wow, what a great tutorial on compression. I was kind of familiar with compression, but this video still gave me very good info. The pace of the video is also flawless. Well done!

@AudioUniversity Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jeremy!

@joelhenriques4754 Жыл бұрын

Best explanation I've ever seen. I really get it now! Thanks!!!

@AmbroseChan 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful explanation, Kyle! It's very clear and easy to understand.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ambrose!

@szithaanu9934 2 жыл бұрын

Easily one of the best explanations of compression I've come across.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@CoreyLaGray Жыл бұрын

I've been looking for an easy to understand video about compression for a while and this really nailed it, thank you.

@mkemusic4826 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen many videos on compression, but this one is the best by far.

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Milwaukee Music!

@oldhom5038 2 жыл бұрын

Compression is one of those things i know work but not how. You just turned years of knob turning into knowledge. Thank you

@therealme2879 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this incredibly easy to understand!

@MustoMugen Жыл бұрын

I finally found a source that is really truly helpful. Can't explain how grateful I am. And I understand ratio and treshold :)

@AudioUniversity Жыл бұрын

Glad to help!

@donaldblair1982 Жыл бұрын

Nice job, I now understand ratio and threshold .

@seanpaul62 Жыл бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold. Excellent job bud learning loads

@BainesLiu 2 жыл бұрын

A simple and clear guide on the features of a compressor, will really help beginners understand the use of it. Great instructions! 👍

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Baines Liu! I hope so!

@timlukeschuh 11 ай бұрын

Dude, this is so helpful and so well explained. Cheers

@taywilcox1374 2 ай бұрын

This really helps me. I just started school for audio engineering. Thank you!

@farning1597 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I´m struggling for a while now to understand, how compression is used in the overall and/or specific mix setting(s). This is really helpfull for me!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Very glad to help! Thank you!

@teashea1 Жыл бұрын

very well done - articulate and organized

@cloud9savagehenry Жыл бұрын

Much thanks for your help. This is something I'm dealing with and definitely need to understand.

@AevnsGrandpa 2 жыл бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold. Doing a good job!!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jeff!

@quentinguidas2123 Жыл бұрын

Great video helped understand the uses of a compressor!

@xyzct Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Most videos that cover compression grope around the setting arbitrarily.

@ryanjones7392 2 жыл бұрын

Best compressor explanation I've seen yet, thank you so much!

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks, Ryan!

@kashdro85 2 жыл бұрын

You're doing a great job Kyle. I appreciate these videos and yes, you explained everything perfectly. I've never felt more comfortable when using my limiters and compressors. I hope you are doing alright :)

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you, Akash! I'm very glad to read this!

@HeLIVESinME2024 Ай бұрын

i have recently jumped into the x32 rack system at my church, i am a visual learner this is the best video for me yet. thanks

@lesleyscloud97 Жыл бұрын

i understand ration and threshold. as the volunteer and fixed sound engineer for my parents small church, this has helped me be better and understand sound and mixers.

@YannDyangu 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best channels I’ve ever come across. Absolutely amazing!! The way you explain makes it so easy to understand. Just wow! By the way, could you please make an in-depth video on compressor and gate? 🙏🏼🙏🏼

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Yann Zen! Great suggestion.

@reconnections_ 5 ай бұрын

This is third video i have seen about compression and first in which I found most of my tascam dp 32sd settings. Thanks!

@AudioUniversity 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@exhaustnotemusic5835 2 жыл бұрын

Whenever I need to revise my stuff or learn new stuff, your channel is the first one that I turn to... Love from India

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help!

@yashparikh4738 4 ай бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

@dogmatickarma9846 2 жыл бұрын

This was an excellent video. You did a very good job explaining and demonstrating what each parameter is and how it works in conjunction with the others and the overall affect on the output. I’m an audio engineer with years of experience and I have recently started teaching my son. I’m always on the lookout for good videos that explain these somewhat complex topics. As when teaching “family”, sometimes these topics sink in faster when explained by someone else. I have found a great reference in your channel. Please keep up the great work! #NewSubscriber

@AudioUniversity 2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad to help you and your son, DogmaticKarma! Thanks for watching! Let me know if you think of any other topics you’d like to see me cover.

@dwashbur 5 ай бұрын

THANK YOU! Suddenly all those parameters make sense. Best video on the subject that I've seen.

@TylerRossDrums Жыл бұрын

I understand Ratio and Threshold. Thanks!

@admiralcasperr Жыл бұрын

I understand ratio and threshold, and I'm a signal theory smoothbrain. Good job.

@donwachira1 Жыл бұрын

yoh bro more love from kenya you helped me actually been struggling to learn from a million videos in youtube but today you just made it easy for me chz men

@OSTIDALEX 3 ай бұрын

i understand ratio / threshold much better thanks to you now !! well explainded and clear to understand !

@crazygooner3398 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanation! Easy to follow and understand.

@JacksonAxe Жыл бұрын

I had a Fostex VF16 multi-track many years ago with an excellent compressor. I still remember how insanely better my drums sounded when using minimal compression. The 2:1 ratio was all it took to bring up some light hits and tame the too loud hits. Also, how it makes a bass guitar smooth as silk is essential for us less talented bassists.