Shaping dynamics
Estimating gain reduction
A few decibels of compression, or a lot?
Gain reduction measures how much the compressor lowers the level on loud passages. 1 to 3 dB is barely noticeable but adds density; 6 dB and more is clearly audible: the sound flattens and transients dull.
Hearwise measures the real gain reduction of the compressor used in the game: the expected answer matches what the processing actually does.
This estimate helps you dose: most mix compression lives between 2 and 6 dB.
Listen for
- The loss of "breathing" between notes.
- Attacks flattening at high reduction.
The classic mistake
Believing inaudible compression is useless: at low doses it steadies without drawing attention.
Put it into practice
Mystery compression · Discovery
Mystery compressionThe lesson is complete when the level is passed (35/50).