compression on guitar and vocals

[powderfinger]

I was wondering what exactly compression does on acoustic guitar and vocals when added while recording? People always talk about how great it is, and I'm not sure why. I've added compression to already recorded tracks, is there a difference in doing before? Any information on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ametth]

.

Dont we have a FAQ on this somewhere..I know someone did a compression tutorial. Lemme check..ahh yes, here it is: http://www.homerecording.com/dynamics.html It's a starter on understading compresiion..hope this helps.

 

[Shailat]

Here is more


http://www.prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/B425578C027460898625661000745390
http://www.echostarstudio.com/thecompressor.html
http://www.geocities.com/shailat2000/

 

[dobro]

I read the Rip Rowan article at ProRec. This bit surprises me:

"2. Threshold is the level at which the compressor starts reducing the volume. The knob typically works in reverse: with the knob all the
way counterclockwise, the threshold is high, meaning that no matter how loud the signal is the compressor will not change the
sound's volume. As you turn the threshold clockwise, the threshold is lowered. Lower peaks will trigger the volume reduction effect."


Is this true?

On my Behringer compressor, turning the Threshold knob full counterclockwise puts it at -40. Full clockwise reads +20. Doesn't this mean that full counterclockwise would compress a whisper, and full clockwise wouldn't compress anything because the threshold's so high? Rowan's saying the opposite of this.

 

[bvaleria]

Dobro - you're correct - most Threshold controls I've seen have the highest settings when turned fully clockwise. He may have been looking at a specific piece of gear.... guess it pays to read the markings on the facing!!

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound