Compression dos and don’ts

DO: avoid extreme settings to begin with if you are just trying to control dynamics. DON’T: add compression to every channel as a matter of course. Start off with minimal compression and carefully choose where to add compressors. DO: experiment with different types of compressors, both hardware and software. There can be a significant difference in the sound you get from the various types. DON’T: forget to bypass the compression occasionally just to check you’re getting a good result. DO: remember to balance the output gain so that the level doesn’t change when you hit Bypass. That way, you get a fair comparison. DON’T: be afraid to experiment. Some of the greatest sounds in the history of recorded music came from misused and abused compressors!