Compressors

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mmemarc

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I'm relatively new to the world of recording, especially good recording and so don't have a clue about what compressors are for. If any body could help me either by giving me links to where i can find out or by explaining, that would be lovely.
 
Compressors are basically signal processors that change the sound that goes from the instrument into whatever it is going to. What a compressor does to that sound is, in short, evens it out. It makes the loud notes softer and the soft notes louder.
 
Marc,

> don't have a clue about what compressors are for. <

Abbott has the right idea. A compressor or limiter is an automatic volume control that reduces the volume when the input gets too loud. Originally they were used to prevent AM radio transmitters from distorting if the announcer got too close to the mike. Then some creative folks discovered that a compressor can sound cool as an effect on voices and musical instruments.

The primary controls on a compressor are:

Threshold - also called ceiling - This sets the point at which the automatic volume reduction kicks in. Below that volume the compressor does nothing. When the input gets above that level, the compressor reduces the volume automatically to keep the signal from going any higher.

Attack time - how quickly the volume is reduced when the input exceeds the threshold. If it's too slow, then a short burst of the music can get through and possibly cause distortion.

Release time - how quickly the volume comes back up after being reduced. If it's too fast, you'll hear the volume as it goes up and down. That sound is called "pumping" or "breathing." Sometimes this sound is desirable, but often it is not. It depends on whether you're using the compressor as a tool to prevent overloading, or as an effect to create a cool sound or add more sustain to an instrument.

Compression ratio - 1:1 does nothing. 2:1 means if the input rises to 2 dB. above the threshold, the compressor will reduce the level by 1 dB. so now it's 1 dB. above. 10:1 means you have to get 10 dB. above the threshold for the output to go up by 1 dB.

--Ethan
 
just to add a little bit to the discussion, there are a couple great articles on shailat's site about compression and reverb WITH audio examples. i don't have the link right now, but all you gotta do is use the search function. :D
there's also a cool article on http://www.prorec.com.
 
I use compressors more for what others use EQ'ing for...

I don't even try to figure out what they do and how they do it, I just plug things into them and twist a few knobs until it sounds right...

For example, I'm working on a typical drums/bass/2 guitars mix at the moment with vocals...

There's an RCA BA-6A on the Tele (doesn't compress or limit so much as impart a great flavor to the track), an Ashley SC50 on the lap steel (very underrated and therefore cheap unit for electric guitars--does what a Distressor does on electrics for 50 bucks), and a Meek VC1 on the bass DI (another fav).

All of these were chosen more for the way they accentuate certain frequencies rather than how they compress or limit a track...I just like the way they make that track sound, and I will use the same compressor again and again on the same instrument in other projects unless I find something I like better.

On the drums, it's a DBX 166 on the stereo ribbon mic OH's (barely audible, set to about 2-3db, but you really know it when you bypass the unit), a Distressor on the snare (I love that unit on snare), and a Gates Sta-Level doing it's thing on the kick, big and boomy and yet very tight and controlled, if that's possible...

Vocal ODs on this project got the Distressor, although I've also used a Pacific Labs Multi-limiter, the BA-6A, or a weird EV compressor that is occasionally magic on certain things, or combos of the above...

The day I gave up trying to figure out how and why the units worked, and just started cramming things through them to see what it sounds like, is the day compressors really started to be my friends. I have quite a few, but I couldn't honestly tell you how some of them work...

Every one of them is good on something or they're soon gone, and if a unit is good for one thing, then it's really worth having it around.

Bruce
www.bruceharvie.com
 
In keeping with the topic:
Any suggestions for a compressor for electric guitars? I am using the line6 POD pro, and wold like a compresor to connect to this.
Thanks! :D
 
Tonewoods said:
I don't even try to figure out what they do and how they do it, I just plug things into them and twist a few knobs until it sounds right...

The day I gave up trying to figure out how and why the units worked, and just started cramming things through them to see what it sounds like, is the day compressors really started to be my friends. I have quite a few, but I couldn't honestly tell you how some of them work...
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Click to expand...

Man, I'm glad you never aspired to be a pilot or an operator of a Nuclear Reactor. I think Smithers might have a job for you next to Homer Simpson, though. :) :)
 
Compressors! One of the MOST misunderstood and over/under abused signal processors in the world of recording! When used
correctly, recordings become stable,levelled,concise and clear!
On the opposite end, unwanted noise artifacts, sound "discoloration",uneven track levels and severe signal loss
are common when is compressor is misused. Our own sonusman
provided an excellent artical located on the home page of this
site detailing the uses and common settings for various signals.

Upon your purchase of your compressor, follow the guidelines in
the manual for basic operation,then commence your own experimentation with various settings and in this way you'll learn
how to maximise it's use while training your ears at the subtle
diffs in comping,gating,limiting and expansion.
 
AMT- You cant go wrong with an RNC or a JoeMeek. The RNC is more transparent and the Meek will give you more tone shaping abilities.
 
Hey thanks TEX!
By the way are those desktop units? I need something desktop!
I went to guitarcenter and they recommended the Alesis for $90.00.
Thanks man :D
 
amt7565 said:
In keeping with the topic:
Any suggestions for a compressor for electric guitars? I am using the line6 POD pro, and wold like a compresor to connect to this.
Thanks! :D
Click to expand...
the POD Pro has a built in Compressor
 
Sonix True.
But I am trying to use other effects. With the POD you can't use 2 effects at the same time. hence I am stuck!
 
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