compression question

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samich17

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i am using cool edit 2000....i like everything about it except the damn compressor....i can't figure this thing out, for fuck sake...


If i have a vocal track that is averaging -9dB (-6dB in spots) and i want to bring the overall level to -6dB....wouldn't i put the threshold at -6dB and push the output level by +3dB? i am compressing at a 5:1 ratio with fast attack and release...after this, the mix is well over cut out range.. i try many different combos and i haven't figured it out..

please help...anything is appreciated..take care
 
When you are viewing the compression graph I believe the last Point is the output. maybe pull that one down a little? I dont have it in front of me but isnt there also another % output parameter.
 
The graph in CEP is confusing but once you get the hang of it, its quite nice.

One problem with it is that the numbers go 0,10, 20, 30, 40, 50... when it should go something like 0,2,4,7,10,20,30,50,70.

Anyway try this. put a point at -30,-30 then grab the point at 0,0 and drag it down to around -20. That will give you a compressor with a 3:1 ratio with a threshold of -30. You can change the ratio by changing the slope of the line. Just click on the endpoint and move it up and down watching the box on the side that tells you the ratios and thresholds

Next go under the attack tab and take the release time down to like 50 and set the output gain at like 10db on the gain processor.

Usually I'll add a noise gate by clicking the line on the graph below -30,-30 and drag it right to the bottom and put an angle from the bottom to -30-30 to soften the gate a bit so you can't hear it cut in and out.

Thats what I have figured out just playing with it.
 
I just realized with your settings you are actually expanding not compressing. You are taking the loud parts and making them louder without affecting the quieter parts.

Lower the threshold to around -20 or more and use a lower ratio around 3 or 4:1.

Adjust the output to match.
 
Garak - i tried what you suggested with C.E.P's compressor...i'm starting to understand it more, but i am finding that Sound Forge 5.0's version a little more user friendly...therefore, less detailed.

John - i checked out the URL, it was helpful, thanks a lot.

Ted Road Kill - thank you very much...that tip was very helpful...i think i had a breakthrough moment...actually learned something...really appreciate your response
 
I finally understood how to set a compressor by thinking about it like this.

Threshold - The QUIETEST sound you want to affect.

Attack - Controls how much of the attack is emphasized. Good for getting rid of pick noise or sibilance (slow attack). Good for controlling the initial whack of a drum(fast attack).

Decay - Controls how much of the release of a note is emphasized. Good for getting rid of drum ring (fast decay). Good for adding guitar sustain (slow decay).

Ratio - How much louder is the loudest sound compared to the quietest sound that your threshold is set to. A low 2:1 ratio means that if your threshold is set to -40db then your loudest sound will by 2 times louder than -40db. Too simplify that even more if you want to really squash a track use a low ratio. If you want to just control the peaks use a higher ratio.
 
very very helpful way of putting things...i am going to implement the suggested techniques in a song i am working on right now...i just did a track of autoharp...the low notes are really quiet and the high ones are really loud...i want to compress it so that the volumes are aligned/averaged out... so, i would set the threshold really low, like -40dB and use a low ratio, like 2:1, with a slower decay to add a natural reverb effect.. sound right?

thanks again...i'm going to be training in recording studio starting Feb. 1st to hopefully become a mixing engineer...i want to have a good grasp of it before i start... this stuff helps..:)
 
A lower ratio will definately bring it together. Just be carefull of losing all your dynamics. The slow release will help it amplify the sustain.

Try adjusting the attack while you listen to the track and you can see how small settings can really change the sound.

The threshold will be whatever works but in general make sure you keep it higher than the noise floor or you will amplify the noise.
 
got it...thanks muchos grande..man, i really want some taco bell
 
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