Academy

Compression

Hear a sound's envelope, recognise compression and estimate how much.

Intermediate4 lessons≈ 34 min

Objectives

Describe a sound's attack and release.
Recognise compression and its effect on punch.
Estimate gain reduction and the role of transients.

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01Dynamics basics
The envelope and what a compressor does.
1. Attack and releaseThe envelope describes how a sound starts, lives and fades.
2. Hearing a compressorA compressor reduces the gap between loud and quiet passages.
02Shaping dynamics
Amount of compression and transients.
1. Estimating gain reductionA few decibels of compression, or a lot?
2. TransientsThe very start of a sound carries impact and clarity.