Is this compression?

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WEBCYAN

WEBCYAN

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The following is a CE screen shot. Is that compression?

and one other question: Whats so bad about compression. Every article I read on the internet about it condems it as though its the worst thing on earth, yet apparently lots of cds are compressed.

whats the big deal? I mean, if it sounds better why not use it?
 

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There's no way to tell from simply a waveform -- that could be a clipped waveform, a limited waveform, compressed....

Without seeing the original, it's impossible to know....

Compression, properly used, is very effective... it can be used to shape the timbre and tone of a track, or it can be used for dynamic control.

Since the effect can be subtle, it is very easy for the novice to overuse/abuse it and suck the life out of the track... you obviously have not been reading pro-oriented articles, because it wouldn't be dismissed out of hand. It is used often in studios, but of course, it is used properly.

Bruce
 
I read once that if you can hear the effect of compression...You probably used too much.

In most cases..I find this true.....But there are exceptions..

I use being able to see the wavform on the computer screen and seeing the effects of compression more than actually hearing the effects..
 
Its not as mad as the compression used on Santana's "Smooth". The waveform is litterally one big thick green bar. :)

Question: I have CE2000 now...only 1 track, but Im getting CEP soon... multi track.

My question is that if you compress an entire song(1 track) what effect will it have as opposed to compressing individual tracks as needed.

Because every time I compress an entire song there is kind of a pulsing sound. The sound shifts from the left channel to the right and back again.
 
WEBCYAN said:


Because every time I compress an entire song there is kind of a pulsing sound. The sound shifts from the left channel to the right and back again.
Click to expand...

That's what the channel link feature on stereo compressors is for, it makes sure that compression is applied equally to both channels so that the stereo image doesn't wobble like that.
 
Hmm compression, as Bruce etc have said, is actually a useful and effective tool for the audiophile when used properly.

Are you sure you hav not accidently got mixed up with clipping or over-SATURATION instead. They are both very bad.
 
Please correct me if I am wrong on this, but it seems to me that just about every song I hear on the radio sounds "compressed". The only time I don't hear it as much is in classical recordings, and some "live concert sounding" jazz and rock, and also actual concert broadcasts (although not always). I think that most of what we hear as "professional studio sound" is largely the result of compression.
 
Practically all pop/rock records are compressed but getting a pro sound takes a lot more than a bit of compression, otherwise studio engineers would be out of a job.

Compression makes quite frequencies louder (and louder ones a little quieter) and this leads to a more consistent volume. That's fine in Jenifer Lopez' latest track but not on the Royal Philharmonic's latest performance of the 5th where classical listeners will want to hear the dynamics.

Personally I think that dynamics are very overlooked these days. One of the few modern artists that use them well are Tool - the quiet parts are quiet and the loud parts are really loud. As it should be...
 
yes compression is a good tool but ONLY if you know how to use it.
another use for a compressor besides limiter:
I sometimes use for example a different compressor for my snares and claps, configured to give them that subtle, extra punch to make it all sound a bit more swingin' and live.
 
lol.
when you said compression is a good tool i thought you were reffering to the band tool at first and i was....confused. :confused:
 
Alch- I think you are right about Tool being less compressed. I also really dug that first claymation video. Great musicians.
 
although alot of their music sounds exactly the same.
so does Korn.

2 heavy power chords followed by a shrill high note. repeat.
 
Although its a bit off-topic and I don't want to get into it tooo much comparing Tool to Korn is obscene. Tools songs are epic with great amounts of dymanics and subtle melodies. The drummer is absolutely amazing and they use many different types of distortion to great effect. The use of vocals between loud shouting and quite murmers is very effective and there are deceptively complex riffs and harmonising guitar melodies. In fact Adam Jones uses next to no effects.

I don't think you have really taken the time to listen to Tool's music if you express such a sweeping-statement opinion.
 
Korn and Tool shouldn't even be said in the same sentance...

Tool---good
Korn--bad

IMHO...of course...
 
Let's put things in perspective here.

Tool is a great band. Their music is really good riff based stuff, not to mention they think up some really off the wall weird stuff (Die Eier Von Satan anyone?)

In addition, I had the chance to see them live and I have to say that they are tied with Tori Amos for the best live act I've ever seen. Kudos to Tool.

However...

Korn is not bad.

Personally I don't think they're as good as Tool but that doesn't make them bad by a long shot.

Their real original statement came with their first album, since then I haven't really seen a lot of musical growth from them, but that's all it took to practically begat a brand new musical genre.

Everyone knows how many imitators that first Tool album spawned (although credit is owed Deftones)

Personally I loved the clikky bass and kick that Tool used, and how many times did people want that same chippy sound in their recordings. It's almost like they reversed the instrument roles sometimes.

Korn's real breakthrough though was Jon Davis's vocals. This now oft mimicked style was relatively sparse when they broke "Korn".


Umm... My $1.60. I have a very powerful and persuasive opinion so generally it weighs more than just $.02.
 
you all misunderstood me.

I wasnt comparing korn to tool.

I was saying that each band's songs sound very similar. Not to each other though.

Like, all korns songs have practically the same sound.

I like both tho.

speaking of wierd tool tracks, how about that one on aenema with the crying babies. Does that ever send chills up my spine...:)
 
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