How to set a dbx166 compressor

[Bloomington]

I am not looking for the magic one setting fits all - BUT - basically how do I set it to bring up soft parts (of a total mix).

I can set it to knowckdown peaks but don't seem to make lower volumes come up e.g. when all the instruments except the drums quit playing for a measure or two.

Is there and order to use in setting the ratio, threshold and gain or something?

Probably a pretty basic question but I am very high on the learning curve - it's just that my learning curve seems to slope downward

Thanks!
Brad

[Blue Bear Sound]

The answer, unfortunately, is "it depends"...........

Shailat's ARTICLE may help you get a handle on how to use a compressor...

[jslator]

Originally posted by Bloomington
I can set it to knowckdown peaks but don't seem to make lower volumes come up e.g. when all the instruments except the drums quit playing for a measure or two.

I'd recommend you ride the faders for that rather than using a compressor.

[mixsit]

The older 166 with set attack and release times are quite fast on both ends for that.
Unless it's adjustable (XL?), can you slow it down...?