Pro Tools Tutorial Lesson 6 pt2 - Compression

In this video we will discuss a brief lesson on Compression. By the end of this video, you will have basic knowledge of what compression is and a simplified understanding of the controls located in the Dyn3Comp that comes stock in Pro Tools.

What is Compression?

Compression is the process of lessening the dynamic range between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal. This is done by boosting the quieter signals and attenuating the louder signals. The Dynamic Range is the difference between the loudest and the quietest part of the sound signal.

Compression allows you to have more control over the dynamic range of a sound signal. Imagine a little man inside the compressor box whose job is to turn the volume up when the signal is too quiet or down when the signal is too loud. That is a very easy way to understand what a compressor does.

Parts of a Compressor

Most compressors have the same controls, but many of them are named or displayed in a different way. Compressors could have two big knobs and a few switches or a handful of knobs and switches, it all depends on the company that makes the compressor.

The controls you are given to setup a compressor are usually the following:

Threshold: How loud the signal has to be before compression is applied.

Ratio: How much compression is applied.

Attack: How quickly the compressor starts to work.

Release: How long before the compressor stops compressing.

Knee: How fast the compressor reacts after signal passes threshold.

Make Up Gain/Output: Allows to boost compressed signal.

Gain Reduction Meter: Shows the amount of compressed signal in dB.

Output: (Only in a few compressors) A master volume for the compressor.

How to setup a compressor

In the creative world there is no hard and fast rules on how to setup a compressor. My philosophy has always been, if it sounds good let it be, but there are a few things you should know before getting started.

The Comp Steps

1. Insert your compressor.
2. Adjust the threshold knob until the peaks start triggering the compressor (check your meter for gain reduction.)
3. Set the ratio; the higher ratio the more compression will happen.
4. Re-adjust the threshold as needed.
5. Adjust the attack knob; a fast atack will be useful on sounds that are super loud from the beginning, like drums and some vocals.
6. Adjust the release knob.
7. Adjust the knee knob.
8. Bring your make up gain up according on how much compression you are applying.
9. USE YOUR EARS! NOT YOUR EYES.

The Compression Cheat sheet.

In conclusion, a compressor will help you have more control over the dynamic range of a sound signal by bringing the quietest signal up and the loudest signal down.

I hope you have learned something, 

Angel De Luna