Software
Understanding compression and how to hear it is an essential mixing skill. In this video, I am going into a huge amount of detail to explain how to deeply hear and understand vocal compression so that you are no longer confused. I will show you all the important settings while compressing vocals and guitar. Video Notes: 1) Listen to compression when all your tracks are playing, if you can’t hear the other instruments and vocals it is usually a waste of time (unless you are highly experienced…in which case…why do you watch my videos!) 2) Often you need compression to make a vocal sound natural in a mix, surprisingly – This is due to how the microphone picks up some peoples voice 3) Have an Aim! If you don’t know what you are aiming for, how will you be able to guarantee a good result? When you listen to the uncompressed audio, ask yourself: “What do I want to change?” “Do I need more sustain on this vocal?” “Are my vocals too punchy or transient?” 4) Compression Settings ▶Threshold The point or level in dB where the compression will start being applied. ▶Ratio How much compression should be applied? 2:1 = Gentle Compression 10:1 = Aggressive Compression A ratio of 4:1 means that the signal has to go 4dB above the threshold to get 1dB out (3db of compression) 8dB over = 2dB out etc ( 6db of compression!) This 4:1 ratio means only 25% of the signal above the threshold will pass through, so this is very noticeable. A ratio of 2:1 means that for every 2 dB the signal goes over the threshold, the compressor will only allow 1 dB through, so this only allows 50% of the signal above the threshold to pass through, this is considered gentle. The higher the number, the more gain reduction will be experienced when the signal passes the threshold. 20:1 and higher is usually getting into the range of limiting, where you have a virtually infinite ratio to prevent any peaks. ▶Attack How fast should the compression start after the threshold is passed? Fast attack time = Heavy, soft vocals Slower attack = Punchy, transient vocals ▶Release How fast does the compressor recover after the signal falls below the threshold? Slow release = Mushy vocals Fast release = Choppy vocals ▶Makeup Gain Compression turns your audio signal down, so we apply a boost at the end to bring it back up to the original level. With this boost applied and the peaks brought down, the overall signal is louder and more full! ▶Knee The knee of a compressor makes the threshold act more smoothly, so that compression is triggered in a smoother or more gradual manner. Experiment to see if it gives you a more natural tone. Song: Consequences by Calvin Prior – Available on YouTube

The video_title video was embedded from Youtube channel “In The Mix”. Video source

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In The Mix is all about simplifying the recording, production, mixing and mastering process and helping you unlock your creativity.

No matter which DAW you use or what equipment you have, I’m determined to help you succeed.

I try to share as much as I can about the industry and give an insight into the world of music production and the business behind it by showing you how to release and sell your music online. Being an FL Studio Power User I also focus tutorials on getting the most out of FL Studio, My DAW of choice.

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About In The Mix

In The Mix is all about simplifying the recording, production, mixing, and mastering process and helping you unlock your creativity. No matter which DAW you use or what equipment you have, I’m determined to help you succeed. I try to share as much as I can about the industry and give an insight into the world of music production and the business behind it by showing you how to release and sell your music online. Being an FL Studio Power User I also focus tutorials on getting the most out of FL Studio, My DAW of choice. Micahel Wynne is a recording artist and mixing engineer with a passion for teaching (and instant ramen). In 2015 I discovered my enthusiasm for music and audio; I learned how to record and produce songs in my university student room with a just cheap laptop and FL Studio. After several months of working in audio sessions between school assignments, I decided to leave uni with a 2-year engineering diploma to pursue a career in music. I wanted to learn everything I could about the industry and the artistic process, so I started making original music as half of the duo “Miavono”. In late 2016 I began my journey on YouTube, sharing my knowledge and experiences with audio in the form of tutorials on “In The Mix”. I quickly grew a community of over 120,000 producers, artists, and audio professionals, a group of people whose passions aligned with mine. Last year I built my own home studio from the ground up in my back garden, set in the rural highlands of Scotland, and have since been supported by and involved with some of the greatest people in the industry.