For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.

defn 0:18 ratios 1:00 attack 4:06 release 7:40 mix bus 9:14 types of 11:19 drum plugins 20:53 bass plugins 23:32 guitars plugins 24:00 piano plugins 25:07 vocal plugins 26:01 drum buss 26:41 ...this is for me

I know this is an old video but man I feel like I just took a whole college course for free! Thank you Rick! This filled in so many holes in my knowledge of compression that I I actually feel really confident and excited to start experimenting with different compressors in different situations now

When Rick is "presenting" (like he's on TV) he's definitely very cool. But then there are the moments when he's just so into what he's explaining, it's like he forgets there's a big audience, and it's as if he's simply talking to you, just you, about really specific recording techniques that you're totally interested in. That's when he's truly great. Part teenager going, "oh my god that song sounds amazing", part professor saying, "these are the compressor settings they used on the mix bus". Incredible!

I had my DAW open on one screen and had this video playing on another screen. In the course of this 30-minute video, I was able to make a mix sound so much better using the information in this video. This is the definitive guide to compression and it helped me make sense of it in a way that nobody else has been able to. Rick, you are a national treasure and you must be protected at all costs.

Hi Rick, We studied together at Berklee. I graduated 1984. You continue to shine and bring deep knowledge to us all. Thanks for the great lesson.

Notes to self: Dynamic range / loudness is a function of music that needs to be addressed at the mixing stage. Gaining perspective on the loudness of your song: A) use metering check the LUFS , rms, perceived loudness B) find a professionally mixed reference track and a b your mix with it on different systems If your tracks are not loud enough, you obviously need to get them louder. How do you make loud mixes? First understand the relationship between dynamic range and loudness. What is dynamic range ? Dynamic range is the difference between the quietest and loudest parts of your track. Digital Audio goes from - infinity to 0 (loudest). When you cross 0 you get distortion. By limiting your audio to -0.1 you can then just jack up the volume and get max loudness without distorting right ? Wrong. When you start trying to make it louder you will start to lose parts of your Audio. The transients will go first, so your drums ah start sound Lakka doo doo. So how do you gain loudness without losing parts of your Audio or distorting? You could : - Lower the volume of your transients - lower the bass - compact the sound by reducing the dynamic range and then raising the volume That’s where compression comes in. It’s a tool you can use as a function Of compacting Audio aka reducing dynamic range. But how does reducing dynamic range help make a track louder? How does compacting Audio and then doing gain compensation help? It helps because you get more perceived loudness while taking up less volume, so now you are further away from the ceiling but it sounds just as loud. Now when you come to limit you can raise it even louder. It’s like being space efficient. - Notes to self to be continued

This video will teach you in 30 minutes what took you 30 years to hardly figure out and all without confusion. Yous just saved yourself a grip of money as well. Beato is the 6 blade knife and a highly accomplished musician/guitarist as well. He is officially uncle Rick.

Even in audio engineering we did not get this detailed into compression. I love this

The best, most comprehensive explanation of compression on youtube. PERIOD.

This is the only cohesive explanation of compression I've ever heard. Thanks, Rick!

I could listen to you all day. If only my music teacher at school had this delivery….

I would really like to disagree with you but I never get a crack at you because you’re spot on every time...!

I love how many artists hoping to come up all come together watching these type of videos, all of us in the comment section should start a music distribution company promoting each other

This video needs to be far more popular! I wish these videos were on the same channel as produce like a pro. Combination of easy to learn, straight-forward, non-time wasted, white board learning of music/production and then produce like a pro's interviews with the top mixing and mastering engineers in the world. Love these two channels.

Yep.. 30 years in 30 minutes. The only video that properly explained compression that I have watched.

Thank you Rick Beato. I am a disabled 🎸 player who records at home in Osgood Indiana on a Boss BR - 8 recording studio. I used to left-handed Mexican Fender Stratocaster and a few effects pedals of which the Wa wa pedal is my favorite. I couldn't afford to go to a special school to learn the art of this craft. As much as I like it and believe in it, being on Social Security and disabled many things are out of my price range. So it is with deep gratitude for your time in this session they cost me absolutely nothing except for the time it takes to listen and pay attention. I have recorded these programs so that I can go back and refer to them as often as I need to. Thank you very much Rick Beato. You have even helped the lowest of musicians, so you are greatly appreciated. May God bless you and your family for the great work that you do.

This is the best overview I have ever seen on compression! The real world examples from classic songs is fantastic. The graphics thrown in to make the point more clear is fantastic. The discussion on current plug in offerings is fantastic. Rick thank you so much man! You have probably heard this before but you have a gift of communication as you break down complicated subjects. I am so happy (and lucky!) to know that you share openly. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

So many people I tried to learn from treated mixing and mastering like some elite practice and not like science where you just have to start with fundamentals and then learn step by step - The way Rick gives so many people insight is remarkable - I love what you are doing for the whole music community Rick ! Thank you so much

The Glue Sounded amazing every time, when activated during the bass and during the vocals. I mean like wow! What a difference!

No doubt this is the best tutorial on compression by a long shot!

Rick, thank you . I’ve been playing with this equipment of mine for over 20 years and you are the only person I was able to understand what was happening.. I move compressor knobs until I get the sound I like but never understanding why. Thank you again. Just to show your never too old to rock and roll I’m 73 and still learning

I remember looking for something like this when i first started learning about compression, and found it ridiculous that nobody had explained things in such detail! Happy that up and coming musicians can learn this stuff from your videos.

This is so great. What a time to be alive and recording.

Man thanks a bunch! This is the first time I could actually really really hear the difference between before and after tracks most videos I watch my ear has not grown enough to notice.

Loved how the Glue did just that, tightened everything up. Also, the Neve, and how it pushed everything through, giving it more Punch. Great tutorial By the way. Thank You!!!

This guy knows how to explain things in a way that finally makes sense to me.

Came back to this video after two years of "making music" and I finally understand it. Well, what I mean is I understand part of it. That part is, "Leave compression to the Pros. ;-)

been to an audio crash course earlier this week and this video of Mr Beato reinforced my knowledge on the subject of music production in general. Thank you sir!

Rick, you are a treasured font of knowledge! We are very blessed and privileged to have you sharing on this platform.

I used to have a general understanding of compressors - to reduce the dynamic range. But with all the different types of compressors and variations for the differing instruments, that takes experience that I will likely will never get. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

no one in the entire world could explain this the way you did. Such clear explanation & so in-depth knowledge. Thanks a lot for doing this Mr. Beato. I am forever grateful & indebted to you for teaching all the difficult concepts so easily.

Every once in a while I come back to this video, what a gem!

Thank you -- no kidding, I took a college course in recording and it was nowhere near as potent as this. I especially appreciate the comparisons of waveforms (the way they look compressed and not compressed... I'm a visual learner) and citing well-known examples like Led Zeppelin.

I've watched a lot of mixing videos and I've also watched a lot of Rick's video (what makes this song great, etc.) But from education perspective, this video is GOLD!

It's been 20 years since I first read something on how a compressor worked and spent years being confused and probably guessing as much as anything. If you're learning, or in any way confused, this video is about the best single resource on compression I have ever seen. Not on;y will you get a perfect explanation of the what and how of compression, but you'll also get a very accessible and useful when & why too, covering different types of compressors, when to use them, and what settings are the best place to start for a whole range of musical circumstances. Another killer video Rick, you are a true information resource...the kids these days have no fucking idea how amazing it is to have this kind of thing on call and in your pocket 24/7! 10/10

This is a must have video. After all my years, finally an explanation that makes sense.

Keep the production related videos coming Rick!! Amazing job!

This was absolutely the best explanation of the use of compressors and which ones are best suited for what situation!

bro, your a god at this point, youve taught me in 5 minutes in more than any lesson or playing about with the compressor has in 3 years

That was one insane amount of information. Could have been stretched out on a whole semester. Very grateful for this RB 🙏🏻 ❤️

So helpful - you're a great teacher. I'm a long-time musician getting into recording and you anticipate all my questions as they pop up. Really good pace and clarity - thank you!

This is the first thing that’s ever helped me understand compression. Thanks Rick. Will be watching any further production tips you post.

I have some barriers that prevent me from staying engaged when reading and this helps immensely!!!! Thank you!

This has been the best explanation of compression I have seen on here. Very straightforward and simple to follow. Also, your examples using different compressors with the same audio track is very well done. The inclusion of portions of the uncompressed track demonstrates very clearly what compressors do without adding unnecessary explanation which would only serve to distract the viewer. Thank you very much for making and posting this.

For about a minute i was like Anthony Bourdain is alive and making compression videos. Great video BTW

This is the only compression tutorial on KZfaq I’ve ever felt like I’ve gotten something out of

Hi Rick, I have been mixing for 25 years now and your vid on compression is just so cool. Thank you.

this is the best video on Compression I have seen yet ! every video i've seen, the guy wants to sound super smart and doesn't make it intuitive. thank you !

i cant imagine im learning from this for free. Every Audio Engineer needs to Pay for this Knowledge,

The most articulate discussion/lesson on compression I’ve seen. Thank you Rick.

Compression has boggled my mind for years but you explained it super clearly. Thanks

First time ever I understand compression. That's fantastic, thanks!

Easily the most I've learned from this channel by far. Fascinating.

That Neve brings out the sparkle a bit more. The Glue pulls everything in tight with almost no color.

A great explanation on how the compressor work. Knowing how it actually works will make you more confident when using one

I now understand what I never really understood. Thanks Rick for bringing light to a dark art.

By far the most useful video on compression I’ve ever watched.

this video is so thorough I LOVE IT. thank you

Wow... the four buss examples really show what you were explaining clearly. The Glue - what extra width and height it presents in the dynamics over the others! You've clearly shown how much rich texture compression use can add. I've used multiband for years instead of eq - now the world knows my secret sauce thanks to Rick here.

This is the best compression video hands down. You should definitely have a class! You have those excellent teaching skills!

You taught me more here in 9 minutes than I learned in 9 months of schooling

This was great, thanks. I loved hearing Rick speak Chinese for 30 minutes!

I watched this video many months ago before I knew anything about compression at all. Have picked up some knowledge along the way and came back to this. It’s like a whole new video. Learned a ton and was actually familiar with a lot of the language used here, unlike last time. Super useful video!

Man, this is great. Probably the best explanation of compression in mixing I’ve ever heard

This cleared up a lot of questions that I still had not got a clue on.

this lesson will become a classic thanks so much for this precious info

Best clear-cut, informative video on compression I've ever seen.

Finally! A lot of information given by a person that loves what he does and don't talk to you like you are stupid! Quite a few on KZfaq out there like it. Probably a lot more than I can ever use, but thank you for putting it out there. It will be remembered. My fun is going to be hooking my mixing board into a land line. Thank you!

Can’t imagine this is the first time this has been said on Rick’s comments sections.. but this legend has forgotten more about music theory, music production and likely about life than I will probably ever know.

You are the man. Love the examples like led zeppelin, or the beatles. You give us an idea of sound not just numbers.

I'm going to need to watch this about 800 times to absorb all this info. What a great video!

Dude , you are the god of music here in youtube.

Hands down the best video on knowing how to use compression!

Thanks so much, this is the best compression video I've been able to watch yet. Amazing! Keep up the great content and thanks again!

Bravo to you Rick for sharing information with others in a wonderful enlightening way. You timelessly prove that you have forgotten more then many will ever know yet you are so humble in your delivery. A true mentor i salute you!

This guy makes the best videos if you're learning to mix

literally 100% gold-plated raw studio knowledge on compression & production it is hard to sum in words how stupid-lucky I feel to have this video available to learn from for free. LOL, this is just ridiculous tbh thanks rick, just another fanboy here. you're helping make NICU's musical path come alive every day and I humbly thank you for it

Fat back end was my high school nickname.

Best compressor video on KZfaq by far.

I just realized I have to watch this ever so often .nice

Best music channel on KZfaq.

One of the very phew channels where i like first, then watch.

Rick, your teaching style is amazing. I took a ton of notes on this video and your EQ video. You have a gold mine of decades of experience in audio engineering. I welcome any other videos on the subject of recording/mixing and would happily pay for them. There is no substitute for the job savvy gained from your years in the business. The way you explain concepts is a highly valuable asset that many of us aspiring amateur and professional engineers can benefit from.

The Glue was amazing. I have been mixing on and off for over 10 years now and I’ve never heard such a musical difference with just a bus compressor. Thanks for the video, especially that comparison

this man is godsent I swear. thank god for rick.

This is an incredibly useful video. Thanks for taking the time, and offering this wealth of knowledge to those of us that are interested in a better understanding of how these can be applied. Grateful! Cheers!!

I remember the first time I lever laid down some tracks at a studio. I had just learned how to properly do a full setup of a floyd rose guitar. and the engineer was practically overjoyed with tears when he saw that I showed up prepared - for some mysterious reason. Decades later and I still love hearing all the horror stories they have.

This is so helpful. I just learned how to use my compression pedals. Turns out, doing it by ear - not knowing what I was doing - turned out to be pretty close. Now I know what to adjust based on what I'm hearing. Thanks Rick!

Rick beato is literally a sage. Awesome stuff I’d love to see a whole series on various different professional uses for all the various standard mixing plug ins / essentials! That would be awesome, thanks again rick! You’ve been with me from my first key signature and chord construction, to producing and mixing in my own home studio on three instruments, and it’s literally all thanks to going over your material, and Adams Neely and few others, If it weren’t for you guys, I’d never be able to express myself musically like I can now! So thank you all so much Also, since I’ve been getting into this whole production thing, Could you be my sage for that as well, that would be wildly convenient lol 😁

Wow, this is the best explanation of how compressors work that I've ever seen. I had an idea of how they work but you really dig in. Awesome.

You are master of doing and showing to us noobs how to do it. Simple, fast, in point. Love Ya man!

Compression was like rocket science to me until I bumped into your tutorial....a big thank you.

having learnt about compression 20 years ago, and worked with it for years, there's still so much in here that pure gold. Loving all the masterclasses rick, both on production and music.

Fantastic information! Thanks again Rick!

Years ago (in 1979) I worked at a cassette tape duplicating facility in ATL on Cheshire Bridge Rd. The first step was to take the customers “master” tape and create a bin loop master. The “customer’s master” could be anything from a crappy cassette to a 30ips 1/2” tape. There were 2 Altec 604E loudspeakers, 2 Fairchild compressors and 2 Pultecs. With little experience as a real studio rat, I just assumed these were things everyone had. It wasn’t until later I realized how coveted these pieces were. For good reason too. I could make a decent bin loop master from anything. Very enlightening

#2 and #4 made the track sound more professional and Mello to the ears

Love the Neve at the end.

the neve comp was really nice. going to get that one now by UA overlooked that one for too long. great video thanks for sharing will give your video to my interns for learning

I've been diving into production lately and I've been wondering what attack, transients, ratios, etc. mean in regards to compression and music production as a whole. I've been in and out of studios as a musician for years too. It's so nice to finally understand this stuff. This is gold.