14.1 Advanced Compression Techniques

Advanced compression techniques take your mixing skills to the next level. From parallel compression to multiband and upward compression, these methods offer precise control over dynamics. They allow you to shape sound in ways that basic compression can't match.

These techniques build on the fundamentals of compression, like threshold and ratio. But they go further, letting you blend compressed and uncompressed signals or target specific frequency ranges. Mastering these tools can elevate your mixes to professional quality.

Dynamic Range Control

Compression Parameters

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• Compression ratio determines the amount of gain reduction applied to signals above the threshold, expressed as a ratio (2:1, 4:1, etc.)
• Threshold sets the level at which the compressor begins to reduce the gain of the signal
  • Signals below the threshold pass through unaffected
  • Signals above the threshold are compressed according to the ratio
• Knee controls the transition between uncompressed and compressed signals
  • Hard knee has an abrupt transition at the threshold
  • Soft knee has a gradual transition around the threshold, resulting in a more subtle compression
• Gain reduction is the amount of attenuation applied to the signal by the compressor, typically measured in decibels (dB)

Compressor Timing and Limiting

• Attack time determines how quickly the compressor reacts to signals exceeding the threshold
  • Fast attack times (1-10 ms) catch transients and provide more aggressive compression
  • Slow attack times (50-100 ms) allow transients to pass through, preserving punch and impact
• Release time sets how quickly the compressor returns to unity gain after the signal falls below the threshold
  • Fast release times (50-100 ms) can cause pumping and breathing artifacts
  • Slow release times (500 ms - 2 s) provide a smoother, more natural sound
• Limiting is an extreme form of compression with a very high ratio (10:1 or greater) and a fast attack time
  • Limiters are used to prevent signals from exceeding a specific level (ceiling) and to protect equipment from clipping

Advanced Compression Techniques

Parallel and Sidechain Compression

• Parallel compression, also known as New York compression, involves blending a compressed signal with the original uncompressed signal
  • This technique maintains the dynamic range of the original signal while adding density and punch from the compressed signal
  • Typical parallel compression settings: high ratio (8:1 or greater), low threshold, fast attack, and medium release
• Sidechain compression uses an external signal to control the compression of the main signal
  • The compressor reacts to the level of the sidechain signal instead of the main signal
  • Common applications: ducking (reducing the level of one signal when another is present), de-essing (compressing sibilant frequencies), and pumping effects (rhythmic compression)

Multiband and Upward Compression

• Multiband compression splits the signal into multiple frequency bands and applies compression independently to each band
  • This allows for more precise control over the dynamics of specific frequency ranges
  • Common applications: taming harsh high frequencies, controlling bass dynamics, and enhancing vocal presence
• Upward compression, also known as parallel expansion, increases the level of signals below the threshold
  • This technique can be used to bring up quiet parts of a signal without affecting the louder parts
  • Upward compression can help to even out the dynamics of a signal and increase its overall level without introducing pumping or breathing artifacts