Compressor
Turning down what passes a threshold — reducing dynamic range
Related
A compressor turns down whatever passes a threshold, by a ratio, reducing dynamic range. It also has attack and release times, deciding how fast it clamps and how fast it lets go.
It differs from a limiter: a limiter usually uses a very high ratio and catches only peaks to prevent clipping; a compressor is more often used to shape tone and steady level. The usual mistake is to think compression makes things louder — compression reduces dynamics; loudness comes from makeup gain. The more you compress, the more gain you need back, and the easier it is to lose life.
Read deeper → EQ
Sources
- 压缩器参数与听感，参通行录音教材（Huber & Runstein, Modern Recording Techniques）与 The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, "Compression"；本文为原创表述
Used for fact-checking only; all prose is original.