From the course: Fundamentals of Pro Audio Equipment

Compression overview - Pro Tools Tutorial

From the course: Fundamentals of Pro Audio Equipment

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Compression overview

- In this chapter, I'll explain what a compressor is, as well as its basic operation. I'll go over four types that are used in professional recording studios and explain their differences. These types are optical, FET, VCA, and tube, or variable mu. Optical designs usually have simple control, such as gain reduction and gain makeup. FET designs are much more versatile as they offer control over input, output, ratio, attack and release. VCA designs are also versatile, offering similar controls. Variable mu designs also have similar controls but having much slower attack and release time. A compressor is a device designed to reduce or control the dynamic range of an audio signal. Compression is typically used in two ways. To level a signal and as an effect to add a desired coloration. It should be noted that sometimes limiters are referred to as compressors and vice versa. The difference is that a limiter is designed to specifically prevent peaks from going above a specified point and is set to a very high ratio of 20 to one or higher. A compressor has an adjustable ratio that typically ranges from two to one to 20 to one allowing it to control much more than just peaks. For all intents and purposes, I'll refer to everything in this chapter as a compressor but keep these differences in mind. Throughout this chapter, I'll share audio examples of each type of compressor. I want you to listen closely to recognize the different tonal characteristics and effect of the different controls on the various sound sources. The idea is to help you retain this information so that you can make informed compressor choices the next time you record or mix.

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