All music producers want great-sounding music, and compression is one of the ways to achieve it. Compression may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. At Sikk Sounds Productions, we offer music production courses, ghost production, sample packs, mixing and mastering, and more guidance! Learn more about the art of audio compression and get help with our services! 

What is Compression?

Compression is an audio technique that allows you to control both the volume and dynamic range of the sound source. It is used to attenuate the louder parts while boosting the quieter sections of the original audio. This can create a more balanced and consistent signal, which provides a smoother and more professional sound.

Types of Compression

There are three basic types of compression: hard compression, soft compression, and parallel compression.

Hard compression has a high ratio and a low threshold, which creates a major reduction in the dynamic range. It’s often used to create a squashed or pumped sound. Hard compression is often used with drums or basslines.

Soft compression has a low ratio and a high threshold, which subtly reduces the dynamic range. Soft compression can add warmth and depth without creating major changes in dynamics.

Parallel compression combines compressed and uncompressed signals. This creates a punchy sound without altering the dynamic range of the original signal. This type of compression is often utilized with vocals and drums.

Compressor Controls Explained

The threshold control determines the level where the compression takes effect. This means that any audio that is above the threshold will be compressed. 

• The ratio control determines the degree of compression that will be applied. A 2:1 ratio, for example, will cut the increase in half. This means that for every 2 decibels that the input signal exceeds the threshold, the output is only increased by 1 decibel.
• The attack control determines how quickly the compressor will respond when the audio exceeds the threshold.
• The release control will determine how long the compressor will take to stop attenuating the audio when it falls below the threshold.
• The makeup gain control comes into play after compression. Once the compression is completed, the output level can be reduced. Makeup gain will compensate for this, and boost the overall output level after compression.

Ways to Use Compression

There are several ways to use compression to improve the sound and quality of your music. It’s often used to change the dynamic range of vocals, which makes them more consistent. Compression can also be used to combine different tracks cohesively. For example, gentle compression can be used for drums and backing vocals to create a unified sound. Lastly, compression is a great way to enhance the impact of drums. Compressing drum tracks can increase the punch and impact the rhythm section. This allows drums to stand out noticeably.

Music Compression Tips

It takes practice to use compression effectively, but these tips can help. Before compressing, ensure your audio is properly mixed and mastered. Optimize levels, EQ, and dynamics to achieve the best sound quality. Avoid excessive processing! 

Try not to overcompress. Overcompression can reduce the emotion, excitement, and impact of a song. It would help if you also used compression at different points in the music creation process, including recording, mixing, and mastering. When compressing vocals, a 5:1 ratio is a good place to start. Heavily compressed vocals typically use a 7:1 ratio, while natural-sounding voice tracks may have a ratio of 2:1.

Also, make sure you choose the right format. Common formats include MP3, AAC, FLAC, and OGG. MP3 is widely supported and offers good compression, while FLAC provides lossless compression, preserving the original audio quality.

We Can Guide You Through The Process

At Sikk Sounds Production, we offer music production courses and services to help you develop and refine your sound. With a wide selection of sample packs, from a melodic techno sample pack to the best clean electric guitar samples, and everything in between, we are here to help you in any way we can. For comprehensive assistance, get in touch with our experts!