Compression primer

> Step by step 1. Ignite Vice One for basic compression

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Let’s first explain how compression works, so you have a good grounding in a powerful effect process that you can apply to many sounds. To get started, load up some audio to work on (we’re using the Acoustic Bass track from the tutorial files at filesilo.co.uk) and insert an instance of Ignite VST Vice One. 2

The first thing to know about a compressor is that its output completely replaces the source signal. Simple enough, but you often find compressors with mix controls, which simply let you blend the compressed and dry signal. Still, Vice One is a traditional compressor with no mix control. 3

Compressors are level-dependent processors, and usually have a number of level meters. Here we can view either the input or output level on the left meter and how much gain reduction the compressor is applying on the right meter. Keep an eye on the right hand meter to see if it confirms what you hear. 4

A compressor is made to reduce the signal level that exceeds a userselected threshold. The first control you head for when setting up a compressor is usually the threshold. Set ratio to about 2:1 and play with the threshold to see where compression starts. 5

Next up, look at the Attack and Release controls. These affect how the compression begins and ends around the threshold. Make adjustments and you’ll see how much it influences how the compressor sounds. Fast release times in particular can lead to a pumping effect. 6

We mentioned the ratio and this setting affects how much the level is reduced above the threshold. A typical setting is 4:1 but if you increase to 8:1 or higher you’ll hear how aggressive the compressor sounds, as the signal above the threshold is reduced much more. 7

Now let’s try some different audio. Here we’ve loaded up the Room file from the drum kit audio. We’ve chosen this because you can really hear how the compressor affects the dynamics but also because a compressed room sound can really add life to the overall blend. 8

Listening to the room track, the sound is quite dominated by the snare and ride. If we set the Ratio to 4:1 and adjust the threshold to about -25dB (we’re getting gain reduction at -5dB) the sound quickly comes alive, with the room reverb more present. In fact it’s amazing how much difference this makes. 9

For fun, try pushing the effect much further. We’ve set the Threshold to -35dB, Ratio to 5:1 and just eased back the Attack slightly. Gain reduction is peaking at about -16dB and the track, particularly during the fills, sounds massive. Try bypassing to A/B the difference.