{"id":1965,"date":"2021-05-18T20:42:06","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T20:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/?p=1965"},"modified":"2021-10-29T19:49:49","modified_gmt":"2021-10-29T19:49:49","slug":"compressor-selection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orpheusaudioacademy.com\/stagingnew\/compressor-selection\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Compressor Should You Choose For Your Mix (And When)"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are so many different compressor plugins out there. How do you know which one to pick?<\/p>\n

Which compressor do you use, and when?<\/p>\n

Keep reading, and you’ll learn everything you need to know about the different types of compressors, and when you should use one type, and not another type.<\/p>\n

What is a Compressor?<\/h2>\n

A compressor is an audio processor that reduces the dynamic range of audio signals. The Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and the quietest parts of a sound. <\/p>\n

Therefore, you can think of a compressor as an automatic volume knob that turns down loud parts of a sound, and turns up quiet parts. <\/p>\n

This is essential for achieving a professional mix, as you’ll notice that both the loud and quiet parts are generally equally audible in the mix.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In the olden days, compressors were physical boxes with knobs on them that audio engineers would run an audio signal through. <\/p>\n

Today, there are tons and tons of software “plug-ins” that you can use instead which emulate the sound of these analog compressors. <\/p>\n

Which Compressor Plug-in Do you Use, and When?<\/h2>\n

Which compressor you use when, and on which instruments, depends on what you’re wanting to do with the compressor. <\/p>\n

As you’ll read on, there are a few common attributes that all compressors impact (or don’t impact). <\/p>\n

These attributes include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Adding warmth\/color\/aggressive compression vs. being transparent<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Controlling hard transients vs. adding “glue”<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    So, which compressors color your sound and\/or involve aggressive compression vs. which compressors are more transparent, or better at “gluing” together your mix?<\/p>\n

    Well, the rest of this article will cover all the various plugin types and what they’re good for, and not so good for. <\/p>\n

    Optical Compressor Plugins<\/h2>\n

    \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

    Smooth & Transparent<\/h3>\n

    Optical compressors turn the audio signal into light, which it then uses to control the compression. <\/p>\n

    Because of the physical properties of the photocell, optical compression has a very musical-sounding action. <\/p>\n

    As a result, the response of optical compression is very smooth<\/span><\/strong> and transparent<\/span>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

    How cool is that? Optical compressors are like alchemists, turning audio in light! <\/p>\n

    Optical Compressor Pros & Cons<\/h3>\n

    Good for:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Transparent compression<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Adding warmth & sheen<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Improving the feeling of vocal tracks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Not as good for:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Controlling hard transients<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Aggressive-soudning compression<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

         The most famous optical compressor is the Teletronix LA-2A which has been modeled by many different companies. <\/p>\n

        Free Plugin<\/h3>\n

        \"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        ADHD Levelling Tool<\/h3>\n

        This isn’t a direct clone of the LA-2A, but takes it’s inspiration from it.<\/p>\n

        Pro Plugin<\/h3>\n

        \"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        Waves CLA-2A<\/h3>\n

        Waves CLA-2A is directly based on the LA-2A. It’s simple to use, yet very effective.<\/p>\n

        Optical compressors are also great to use on vocals, but if you want to know more about what type of compressor to use on vocals, then check out my article below. <\/p>\n