Compressing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lomas
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Lomas

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Hey!

I'm (still) new to a lot of this stuff, and I'm wondering about compression. I use CubaseSX and any compressing I do I guess will be done in that. It's just that I don't understand how these things work.

Can anyone help me explain the basics of compressing and how it actually works? When I look at dynamics choices and stuff in the program, it doesn't really mean anything to me. Any tips on how to try it out and understanding it is appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Hi,

Compressing works on the basis of changing the sound you have recorded or mixing and either reducing the sound or increasing parts. For E.G. If you are playing a guitar track in, a compresser will ensure the sound being recorded will be "compressed" to make an equal level of sound.

If you have a high compression level, then it will compress it alot and will sound very "programmed" and will lose the recording feel, if its low, you might not be able to tell, depending on how low. I usually have mine quite dry, but enough so it takes the edge out of those hard struck notes. Just play around with it, try it very wet will full compression on and see how it is, and youll learn what setting suits you best.

Hope it helps!

Chris :rolleyes:
 
Lomas said:
Hey!

I'm (still) new to a lot of this stuff, and I'm wondering about compression. I use CubaseSX and any compressing I do I guess will be done in that. It's just that I don't understand how these things work.

Can anyone help me explain the basics of compressing and how it actually works? When I look at dynamics choices and stuff in the program, it doesn't really mean anything to me. Any tips on how to try it out and understanding it is appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

read these:

http://www.recordingproject.com/articles/article.php?article=6

http://www.alesis.com/support/glossary/index.html
 
Tifstorey said:
Hope it helps!
Click to expand...
I don't see how that explanation possibly could...!

What Tifstorey just tried to say (with a whole lot of double-talk) was that a compressor changes the dynamics of a signal. As well, it can also affect the envelope of a signal to make a sound more punchy, or more weak.... over-used, it will make a sound lifeless and dull.
 
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