Compressor Question

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www.witchsmark.com
Member Since: Aug 13, 2006

I understand how to tame the higher volumes using the Threshold and Ratio, however I am still a little confused on raising the low volume passages to a respectable level. For instance I have a kick drum track that the first 15 seconds are at -15db as opposed to the rest at around -10db, how would I use a compressor to even these levels out without raising the volume of the -10db passages?? Would I use the Input Gain, Output Gain??

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Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004


Jul 07, 2008 09:51 am

Ya'd use the Output gain... aka 'make up gain', to make up for the lost volume .


www.witchsmark.com
Member
Since: Aug 13, 2006


Jul 08, 2008 08:05 am

I did an experiment and tried to use Compression(Kjaerus Classic) to bring up the volume of the passage and yet keep the volume of the rest of the track around the same, but after adjusting and fitzing with it for about 20 minutes, it just wasn't gonna happen. Is there a trick in the trade for doing this or did I have it right the first time in just using automation to bring up the volume for that first 30 seconds??

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Jul 08, 2008 08:21 am

Something like that ( first 30 seconds ) I would just use automation.

Using compression to bring down volume on a whole track is not what a compressor is for (imho).

I like to think of a compressor as a little dude inside a speaker box. When the speaker gets too loud and starts shakin, the little dude grabs the speaker cone to calm it down, or quiet it down. After the signal is not as strong, he lets go and waits until it gets shakin again.

How much shakin is the threshold, how fast he grabs the cone after it starts is the attack, how strongly he grabs the cone is the ratio, and how long after the signal drops is the release.

So in your case, you're trying to 'hold' down the signal through the whole song. I'd much rather use automation.

I've used the classic compressor a lot, and like the sound of it, but am much happier with the reacomp from reaper (it's free and works in other hosts). this program shows the action much better, so it makes more sense.

www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005


Jul 08, 2008 10:48 am

I think automation was the right way to go.

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