BASIC GUIDE TO COMPRESSION/DYNAMICs PROCESSING

[feedback711]

http://www.presonus.com/pdf/dynamics_processors.pdf


THIS LINK WILL EXPLAIN ALOT OF THE BASIC AND HOW TO'S FOR COMPRESSION. SO IF YOU ARE NEW OR JUST WANT TO TOUCH UP ON YUR KNOWLEGE CHECK THIS LINK OUT.
IT HELPS TONS






MySpace.com - Feedback productions - Kansas City, US - Hip Hop / Indie / Rap - www.myspace.com/feedbackproductions

[feedback711]

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Our first step in mixing vocals is to compress the vocals. Let's take a listen to the files are naturally, with no editing or processing whatsoever. The first thing you'll notice is that the vocals are quite a bit softer than the piano track. For the sake of editing, let's go ahead and move the fader down on the piano track so that the vocals are slightly on top of them.

Play back the files again with the piano brought down. Compare the vocal sound to that on a commercial recording you like. Notice that the vocals sound very "raw" in comparison? That's because they're not compressed.

Compression does two things for vocals. One, it can help a vocal track stand out better in the mix by sitting better within the overall mix itself. By compressing, you're making sure that the loud and soft parts of the vocals are even. Without it, the soft parts will get buried in the mix, and the loud parts will overpower the mix. You want the vocals to have a nice, smooth sound in the mix. Second, compressing brings out the tone of the overall vocal sound better, allowing it to make a better impact.

Let's click on the insert area above the track, and insert a basic compressor. Select the preset "Vocal Leveler", and look at the settings. This is a great preset to help you with compressing vocals. If your singer is very dynamic, like the one we have in this recording, you'll want to bring the "attack" - how fast the compressor kicks in on peaks/valleys - a little lower.

Now, you need to compensate for the volume loss you incur when you compressed. Anytime you bring a compressor into the mix, you're changing volume, and you need to compensate for it. Move the gain slider up until you're satisfied with the added volume. Listen to the mix now. Notice that the vocals lay much better in the mix?

Now, let's move on to the next step.

[feedback711]

Or do you believe it is to be done a different way. Have you Interned for some one, or worked with a major producer who has taught you a different method of dynamics processing.. If so let us here your story

[GGreen]

That guide is incorrect in several places.

The first and most glaring error that I always see is the function of the attack control.

They state that a slow attack time will allow the initial part of the signal through uncompressed and that a fast attack time will start compressing immediately.

This is fundamentally incorrect.

There will ALWAYS be a degree of compression and a compressor can NEVER react immediately.

Compressors are subject to the same laws of physics that apply to all other electronic components. Basic RC theory proves this.

The attack control is the amount of time that it takes for the compressor to build up to its maximum amount of compression and the time indicated is the amount of time it will take to reach 60 % of its total compression amount. The actual time taken to reach FULL compression is usually 5 x the time shown on the control itself. The same applies to the release control.

Call me a stickler for detail but this type of thing is important in order to have a correct understanding of how and what these things do.

Cheers!

Gareth

[feedback711]

do you have some factual literiture to prove this theory.
i would really like to read it.

i always find theory on digital music interesting. i always thought digital recording is a matter of math. not theory. but i am still going through school so if you could shoot me a link it would make for a great debate in class. might even get some extra credit if i have a good read to follow my arguement.


cheers

[7161]

well yeah gfx, but (no offense) dont you think thats tying things up a tad in semantics?

for a noob thats a fairly good starting point without too much brain clutter for them to get a general vibe of what the attack control will do, they arent specifying the knee of the comp either which i put down to them again trying to simplify it for noobs.

[feedback711]

Originally Posted by 7161

well yeah gfx, but (no offense) dont you think thats tying things up a tad in semantics?

for a noob thats a fairly good starting point without too much brain clutter for them to get a general vibe of what the attack control will do, they arent specifying the knee of the comp either which i put down to them again trying to simplify it for noobs.

exactly
the whole point in this thread is to answer a newbies question that we all have answered a thousand times. once the learn the concept the rest they will find out when they are ready. gotta keep it simple for the newbs dont wana make there brain pop lol

MySpace.com - Feedback productions - Kansas City, US - Hip Hop / Indie / Rap - www.myspace.com/feedbackproductions

[jordanh]

this is a great thread, thanks!

[GGreen]

imho ,

Its easier to learn things correctly once than to get told semi correct information which then gets disemminated around and all we end up with is more incorrect information.

Personally I feel clarity and correctness are the way to do things.

The only way to truly learn is to know the facts and not half facts.

Either way none of this is 'rocket science' its all very simple.

Maybe im being harsh but any as you say 'n00b' should be able to grasp and understand correct audio theory.

Not like theres any maths involved or heavy duty physics needed to understand what are very basic audio terms and workings.

Once understood you have that knowledge for life.

Feedback : here is a good link which will explain what I have said already and a WHOLE Lot more in a very easy to understand and grasp manner.

Time Response: Attack and Release

I have undertaken many lectures over the years at university's and at trade shows so im used to 'education' and I have always taken this stance. Learn once and learn it correctly

Just my opinion of course!

Gareth

FXpansion Audio UK Ltd.

[feedback711]

Originally Posted by gfx

imho ,

Its easier to learn things correctly once than to get told semi correct information which then gets disemminated around and all we end up with is more incorrect information.

Personally I feel clarity and correctness are the way to do things.

The only way to truly learn is to know the facts and not half facts.

Either way none of this is 'rocket science' its all very simple.

Maybe im being harsh but any as you say 'n00b' should be able to grasp and understand correct audio theory.

Not like theres any maths involved or heavy duty physics needed to understand what are very basic audio terms and workings.

Once understood you have that knowledge for life.

Feedback : here is a good link which will explain what I have said already and a WHOLE Lot more in a very easy to understand and grasp manner.

Time Response: Attack and Release

I have undertaken many lectures over the years at university's and at trade shows so im used to 'education' and I have always taken this stance. Learn once and learn it correctly

Just my opinion of course!

Gareth

FXpansion Audio UK Ltd.

your awsome for that

[Franco]

Originally Posted by gfx

There will ALWAYS be a degree of compression and a compressor can NEVER react immediately.

Digital compressors use their "Look Ahead" functions to compensate for this. What you said applies to hardware compressors, but for digital comps that delay the signal, this is not an issue. Sorry to jump the thread, but "newbies" shouldn't only get 1/2 the truth.

[Franco]

...and hey, I just looked at the link you posted, and the very article you linked states what I just said plainly:

"Unfortunately, a real-world compressor cannot respond instantaneously to this sudden change in level. In order to be able to do this, the unit would have to be able to see into the future to know what the new peak value of the signal will be before we actually hit that peak. (In fact, some digital compressors can do this by delaying the signal and turning the present into the past and the future into the present, but we'll pretend that this isn't happening for now...)."

[AnAverageJoe]

This topic has been discussed over and over... hey feedback don't take it the wrong way, but the newbies need to learn how to do homework, because the last thing I want for this forum is for it to be a stop shop. I want newbies to learn how to research with or without a forum, thats why we all(well most of us) on here recommend them to google search the topic.

[psycho_monkey]

Originally Posted by Franco

...and hey, I just looked at the link you posted, and the very article you linked states what I just said plainly:

"Unfortunately, a real-world compressor cannot respond instantaneously to this sudden change in level. In order to be able to do this, the unit would have to be able to see into the future to know what the new peak value of the signal will be before we actually hit that peak. (In fact, some digital compressors can do this by delaying the signal and turning the present into the past and the future into the present, but we'll pretend that this isn't happening for now...)."

But for analogue it does hold true. Standalone digital compressors are fairly rare in recording studios (the only ones I've come across are dynamics programs in some of the higher end multi FX - TC System 6000 springs to mind) - more common in mastering rooms maybe, where there's no phase issues likely to be induced.

I don't know, but presumably most "analogue emulating" plugins also don't employ lookahead technology - I know which ones can't in PTLE, they'll be the ones which don't induce any latency!

There's always an exception which "proves" (or to give it it's original meaning, "tests") the rule. Since all analogue compressors are the norm and follow the rules stated above, surely it's better to teach it that way round with a brief addendum on true digital compressors, rather than 1/2 truths?

PS I didn't know the exact definitions of attack and release either...cheers!

[PettyCash]

"Noobs" need to go out there and learn how to do things hands on.
Thats the only real way to learn how to match the results of another pro in a manner that will result in your work being looked upon as sounding professional.

You could understand the ins and outs to how a compressor works; You could even know how to build your own compressor, and that wont mean diddly when it comes to taking that compressor and knowing how to apply it in real world ways that will yeild the nicest sounding results.

Does every one agree
Or do you believe it is to be done a different way. Have you Interned for some one, or worked with a major producer who has taught you a different method of dynamics processing.. If so let us here your story

I think this thread would be better served if you guys stuck to talking about your real world uses of compressors for dynamics processing. (Like the post says, Share Your Story) I dont see any sharing of stories going on here, infact if anything you all are steering off topic.

Originally Posted by gfx
imho ,

Its easier to learn things correctly once than to get told semi correct information which then gets disemminated around and all we end up with is more incorrect information.

Personally I feel clarity and correctness are the way to do things.

The only way to truly learn is to know the facts and not half facts.

Either way none of this is 'rocket science' its all very simple.

Maybe im being harsh but any as you say 'n00b' should be able to grasp and understand correct audio theory.

Not like theres any maths involved or heavy duty physics needed to understand what are very basic audio terms and workings.

Once understood you have that knowledge for life.

Feedback : here is a good link which will explain what I have said already and a WHOLE Lot more in a very easy to understand and grasp manner.

Time Response: Attack and Release

I have undertaken many lectures over the years at university's and at trade shows so im used to 'education' and I have always taken this stance. Learn once and learn it correctly

Just my opinion of course!

Gareth

FXpansion Audio UK Ltd.

Thats great that you have cleared that up, and shared that with everyone.
But how about talking about your actual real world experiences with compressors that supports and relates to what you are saying?

Lets get this thread going back in a more productive direction, and improve the S/N ratio...

[feedback711]

Originally Posted by PettyCash

"Noobs" need to go out there and learn how to do things hands on.
Thats the only real way to learn how to match the results of another pro in a manner that will result in your work being looked upon as sounding professional.

You could understand the ins and outs to how a compressor works; You could even know how to build your own compressor, and that wont mean diddly when it comes to taking that compressor and knowing how to apply it in real world ways that will yeild the nicest sounding results.



I think this thread would be better served if you guys stuck to talking about your real world uses of compressors for dynamics processing. (Like the post says, Share Your Story) I dont see any sharing of stories going on here, infact if anything you all are steering off topic.



Thats great that you have cleared that up, and shared that with everyone.
But how about talking about your actual real world experiences with compressors that supports and relates to what you are saying?

Lets get this thread going back in a more productive direction, and improve the S/N ratio...

has any one came across some good settings on there compressor at home that improved thes/n ratio. if so what did you do to make it work???