Y2K ISSUE

ADVANCED USE OF A COMPRESSOR (04/99 Ben Blau)

Compressors are one of the most valuable tools to the recording engineer. When used correctly, compressors can provide the following benefits:

1. Evening out the inconsistent volume changes of instruments and voices.
2. Giving more "presence" to sounds.
3. Making a single voice or instrument, or an entire mix, sound louder.
4. Giving an instrument, voice or mix more apparent highs and lows (treble and bass), lessening the need for equalization.
5. Exaggerating or mellowing the attack of an instrument, voice, or other sound.
6. Extending the "sustain" of some instruments, such as lead guitar or cymbals.
7. Reducing unwanted sounds in a signal, such as the "S" sound in a voice.
8. Simulating an analog recording or mix with all-digital equipment.
9. Controlling signal levels to prevent damage or overload to equipment.
10. Helping to control masking.

All these things will be explained in this article. Before we go on to the specific techniques, we’ll review the basic parameters and controls found on a typical compressor, and what they do.

Copyright © 1999  by Ben Blau - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published by REQ with author permission