I understand using a compressor on guitar but what about for tracks in a mix?
I never quite understood what to do with them when I add them to a drum track or synth track in a recording so I just never use them
Any tips?
In pure (transparent settings, longer attack times on compressor...), they're used to have a steady volume flow only on track that need it. You get that dynamic tone like hitting a piano key very hard but that note doesn't mask other instruments or jump up in the mix unmusically. If used too strong on a single or on an entire mix, the mix will sound dull.
This is a good starting point to experiment with compressors, its better to test on a track inside a mix than testing on an individual track solo. Personally, for this transparent approach I find myself using very few compressors in a mix. Usually the less the better.
But as music progressed they are also used for tone shaping. This "control of dynamics" started to become a sound shaping tool. with extreme settings of compressor (or limiter) like; You can compress a drum buss/group (the entire drum channels combination) very hard to get that typical (big) sustaining rock drum sound.
Attack/release settings are all about how that drum (or any source) will "breathe" so faster attack and release settings can be used. There isn't much setup logic to it, all about ears.
For electronica, these tools plus transient shapers are also used commonly which is a variety of compressors. This was also released today, its a more complicated transient designer and instead of me writing very long its easier to listen examples (the first and most popular transient designer is from a company called SPL and it also has a plug-in version)
Basically, (instead of transparent) now you're shaping the track creatively in a way it won't sound the way it was recorded in the first place. Drums are probably the best place to start testing. In studio recording if the music isn't jazzy, drums get the most share of compressing even with non-electronica type music.
Now for this freeware; It's one of those smart designed tools that doesn't have much controls on it but can work on many things. Don't expect much creativity from it but rock music sources drums etc. it can be useful or a quick solution. I hope these info's helped
GMC:er Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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