6. Exploring simple slow-attack compression for punch

1 Although you’d think that super-fast attack times are the key to punchy sounds, sometimes we can achieve superior, smoother results simply by slowing that attack down a little. Let’s demonstrate using our own superb SunRuys CM compressor. To follow along, import the files beginning “HipHop…” into any DAW, then group all the drum parts to a single group/bus for further processing.

2 Now we’ve got our drums grouped, add SunRuys CM to the bus. We’ll start by pushing the Ratio control up to 3:1, setting the Threshold to around -24dB and applying around 1.5dB of Makeup gain. Our drums now sound more gelled together, but have lost most of their initial snap due to SunRuys CM’s default fast attack and release settings.

3 A few final adjustments will give extra punch. Increasing the Attack to around 55% will allow more of each transient through, increasing the snap of the drums. Next, we’ll set the Release to 7% for smoother compression, before increasing the Makeup gain to 1.9dB to match the wet and dry volume levels. Turn SunRuysCM on and off to hear the effect of the compression.