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DamnationBlack
New member
this is probably a stupid question.....but, i'm somewhat new to this stuff. what exactly does a compressor do? and would it be wise to get one for a home studio?
DigitMus
Member
A compressor is an automatic gain control device; it is generally used to reduce the dynamic range of a voice or instrument. It's a useful tool, but it is also one of the most misused/overused pieces of gear, specially in the hands of a beginner or amateur. Since you had to ask what it was, you're probably not ready for one. Get familiar with the basics of signal flow, gain structure, mic/line/instrument levels, dBs, balanced vs. unbalanced, lo vs. hi impedence, microphone types & techniques, basic wiring, why home stereos or headphones don't make good monitors, 1001 facets of using EQ and many other things before you worry about compressors. In my analog days (back in the dark ages) I made some respectable commercial releases without a single compressor - I did it the old fashioned way, by moving the faders up in the quiet parts and down in the loud parts! 
SG
SG
scottboyher
New member
Do a search on "compressor" and you will get about 5,000,000,000,000,000 post dealing with compression. There is a ton of info out there this board!