compressor ratios?

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daveblue222

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how do i know what ratio i have the compressor working at

in the izotope manual it states that if the threshold is set to -25 and the ratio set to 3.0 this will mean 3:1. it doesnt state why though, i believe the first number represents the ratio setting. how is the second number applied.

also i was slightly confused when it came to explain the differences between say 10:1 and 3:1 it states that both these settings will compress down to -1db above the threshold, meaning that if for instance it was to exceed it by 10 and 3 db it would then compress 9db for 10:1 and 2db for 3:1. what i cant understand is, are these not doing technically the same thing? as they are both compressing down to 1db above the threshold.

all input appreciated

;)
 
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You need to do some reading and get a better understanding of compression. Go here: http://www.independentrecording.net/irn/resources/index.php . Read the section on compression. Then read it again. Then spend some time here with the search function. Read as much as you can on compressors.

Here's a very simplified answer to your question. With a 10:1 ratio, for every 10dB increase over the threshold you only get 1dB increase @ output. So if threshold was set @ -20 and your incoming signal was -10, your resulting output is -19. If the same -10 signal is applied to a 3:1 ratio, your output would be about -17.

Remember read, read, and read some more. Hope this helps.
 
I agree...it takes a bit of reading to get a handle on all the different settings you find on compressors.

But believe it or not...at some point, the real key is to just listen and do a lot of A/B by putting the compressor in/out of the path.
THAT...IMO...is what really helps you to understand what the knobs do much more so than the specs and math.

I wouldn't get too caught up in the -9dB and 3:1 VS 10:1...etc.
I mean...YEAH...have an understanding what those numbers mean..but don't set your compressor "by-the-numbers"...set it by ear.

And with that in mind...it will take some time for your ear to hear what the compressor is doing, especially at more subtle settings....which is why it's very easy to get caught up using very extreme settings as those are the ones you can actually notice much easier.
It's just not as easy to hear as you can say...EQ settings (in most cases).

Also…watch out you don’t get caught up slapping compressors all over everything. It’s easy to fall into that and some folks think compressors are always a benefit…that their main purpose is to “improve” the sound…so they over use them.
 
I probably overuse compressors. I don't know what the hell it's intended for, but the aimless knob-fiddling gives me better control over bass and treble than EQ. :confused:

Dr. V
 
Dr. Varney said:
I probably overuse compressors. I don't know what the hell it's intended for, but the aimless knob-fiddling gives me better control over bass and treble than EQ. :confused:

Dr. V
Click to expand...

You should read that article about compression too, then. Compression isn't about EQ primarily, it's about levels.
 
dobro said:
You should read that article about compression too, then. Compression isn't about EQ primarily, it's about levels.
Click to expand...

I am reading it at the moment...

The article said:
"Digital waveform editors, multi-band compressors, parametric equalizers and large-diaphragm condensers are now in the hands of multitudes who have little idea how – or even when – to use them."
Click to expand...

Yup! That's me!

Dr. V
 
dobro said:
You should read that article about compression too, then. Compression isn't about EQ primarily, it's about levels.
Click to expand...

Erm... What's the difference? I thought EQ was about equalizing levels... Oh, perhaps I'll find out by reading...

Dr. V
 
This is an excellent article. It's extremely well written for someone relatively new to sound engineering.

Dr. V
 
Dr. Varney said:
Erm... What's the difference? I thought EQ was about equalizing levels...

Dr. V
Click to expand...
Keep reading, Doc. I know the author, and I think he'll be able to help you out a little;).

But you really hit on a fundamental truth that some folks can go a looooong time without quite grasping; yes they are both about levels. In fact, everything (yes, even reverb and delay) are about levels, because all we are really doing is playing with voltage levels of an electrical signal.

Where they differ is in just how they are designed to play with levels. EQ, is designed to directly modify levels from the perspective of frequency, compression from the perspective of dynamics (loud-to-soft range), and reverb and delay in more of a time-based perspective.

As you have already discovered, though, it's very difficult to change levels using one approach without also having at least some effect on the other characteristics. After all, it is just one signal.

The trick is figuring out which tool (or combination of them) is the best one to use for any given situation. Ultimately the solution to that trick is the same one as the solution for how to get to Carnegie Hall. :o

G.
 
yup compressions been a bit of a mystery to me...slowly getting the hang of it now...ie not sticking one on every track...Ive ordered a rack one as I think im better at understanding physical objects rather than software..I hope its not an age thing :)
 
Yeah, after reading about 3/4 of that, I'm now understanding just what a compressor IS and what it DOES. Very good. Just that puts me little ahead of where I was, only one hour ago... Respect to the author!

Dr. V
 
kcearl said:
yup compressions been a bit of a mystery to me...slowly getting the hang of it now...ie not sticking one on every track...Ive ordered a rack one as I think im better at understanding physical objects rather than software..I hope its not an age thing :)
Click to expand...

Even if it's an 'age thang' I wouldn't worry. If I could afford it, I'd have gone all-hardware a long time ago. I'm only using a computer to cut corners and save money... But, as a system, it is very flexible.

Dr. V
 
Dr. Varney said:
Even if it's an 'age thang' I wouldn't worry. If I could afford it, I'd have gone all-hardware a long time ago. I'm only using a computer to cut corners and save money... But, as a system, it is very flexible.

Dr. V
Click to expand...

true...im slowly getting everything outboard...I didn't think it would be the route i wanted to go but I tell you what..when you plug in a hardware synth next to a softsynth its almost like going 3D

I cant even be arsed mapping my PCR...at least then Id have some knobs and faders to physically move...there's something so unmusical about a mouse


I couldnt imagine recording on anything else but once im settled everything other than the DAW will eventually be hardware...
 
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