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Would somebody kindly explain, from the top, compression, and how it can be both good and bad in production.

No, it isn't an A Level question.

From what I can gather too much compression is not a good idea.

Compression = reduction of dynamic range [lowest to highest level in dB's]

Ratio = Amount by which dynamic range is reduced [the higher it is the more the track is squashed]

Attack = period of time before full ratio is reached [if you use a slower attack the initial hit will sound uncompressed for however many ms the attack is set to]

Release = period of time compression is held for [can be used to achieve a pumping feel if set just short of the actual tempo]

Threshold = level from which compression occurs [to close to 0db and there's no effect, to strong and you loose half the sound you started with]

Compression is useful to keep an individual element in a certain sonic position within a mix. It can be used to fatten things up, and to add uniformity to groups of elements.

It is considered "bad" when an entire mix is over-compressed because when all instruments are at the same level the mix will sound lacking in depth. Bit like squashing a dry stone wall into a brick wall - fair enough its tidier but only half as interesting.

Limiting is compression with a ratio greater than 10:1. Expanders work the same as compressors but increase the dynamic range from the threshold up, thus avoiding bringing too much low level noise into the mix.

Hope none of that sounds patronising, people have been arguing for time about whats appropriate with compression, that stuff above is just what i've learnt from various people. Feel free to correct me.

narcossist wrote:
Limiting is compression with a ratio greater than 10:1.

.

very good little piece...as you say it is something to practise and experiment with...limiting is at 20:1 ratio btw.

threnody wrote:

narcossist wrote:
Limiting is compression with a ratio greater than 10:1.

.

very good little piece...as you say it is something to practise and experiment with...limiting is at 20:1 ratio btw.

ez threnody, respect your opinion man but wasn't sure on that limiting thing. had a scout about and found this article which says its 10:1 http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/ ... mpression/

dunno if they're right like, but it explains compression in a bit more depth anyhow

Yeah really good article! I stand corrected on that...the compressor i was using lately had it as 20:1..

it should be said that compression is one of those things that if used incorrectly can make things sound worse

Nice one narcossist.

Limiting has attack time 0ms. And an infinite ratio (10:1 might be more accurately described as extreme compression, certainly akin to limiting but quite different really).

jahtao wrote:Limiting has attack time 0ms. And an infinite ratio (10:1 might be more accurately described as extreme compression, certainly akin to limiting but quite different really).

Not exactly true. There is no real definiton of limiting compared to compression. And it´s impossible to make a 0ms attack in the real world BTW. Extreme compression is a more correct, however 10:1 is definately NOT the same as infinite. Just to clarify.

I was just about to say that... but you beat me to it

Peace

another thread that should be in a 'production tips and tricks' sticky

big up narcossist

no probs, might as well put my HND to some use.