Compressor Open in Help

Compressor

Compressor

Essentials

Compressor controls dynamic range by reducing the volume of loud sounds. Use it to add punch to drums, even out vocal levels, or create sidechain pumping effects. Peak mode responds to transients; RMS mode responds to average levels.

Threshold, ratio, attack, release controls
Peak/RMS detection modes (Peak for transients, RMS for average levels)
Optional sidechain input for pumping effects
Subtle control to heavy pumping effects

Controls

Controls
Control	Description
On/Off	Activates or bypasses the compressor effect
Mode (RMS/Peak)	Detection mode: RMS: Moving average detection for average level Peak: Detection for short transients
Threshold	Level above which compression starts (-24 to 0 dB). Signals above this level are reduced.
Ratio	Reduction amount once above threshold (1:1 to 1:infinity). Higher values create stronger compression.
Attack	Time to start compressing after threshold (1 to 100 ms). Faster attack responds quicker to peaks.
Release	Time to stop compressing after falling below threshold (1 to 600 ms). Controls how quickly compression stops.
Gain	Makeup gain after compression (-24 to +24 dB equivalent). Compensates for level reduction.
Sidechain	Optional external input for sidechain compression. Allows external signal to trigger compression.

Practical Tips

Practical Tips

Fast attack: control sudden peaks (vocals, snares).
Slow attack: keep punch in drums.
High ratio: strong compression or limiting.
Sidechain: create movement and space in dense mixes.

Mentioned in