What is a compressor? Explaining the basic parameters for adjusting volume differences

Compressor is an effect that automatically suppresses excessively loud parts and adjusts volume differences. It's not just a tool to make the sound louder, it also adjusts the stability of the performance, the sense of front and back, and the strength of the attack.

Threshold

Determine the volume above which compression will begin. The lower it is, the more parts are compressed. Adjust while watching the gain reduction on the meter.

Ratio

Determines how much to suppress sounds that exceed the threshold. 2:1 is relatively gentle; the higher the number, the stronger the compression. At first, try a ratio of 2:1 to 4:1.

Attack

This is the speed from when a loud sound enters until compression begins. If it is fast, the top of the sound will be suppressed and it will become softer. If you're slow, you'll have more time to stand up and it will be easier to move forward.

Release

How fast to decompress after the volume has been lowered. If it's too fast, the volume will fluctuate; if it's too slow, it will sink until the next note. While listening to the tempo of the song and the performance, match the return method.

Makeup gain

Output volume that compensates for the volume reduced by compression. By comparing the perceived loudness before and after processing to the same level, you can judge the effectiveness of the compression itself.

Setup instructions for beginners

Set the ratio to 2:1 to 3:1, set the attack and release to about the middle, and adjust the threshold so that the strong parts are lowered by about 2 to 4 dB. Then listen to how it rises and returns and make fine adjustments.

The purpose is not to keep the meter constant. Look for a point in the song where the dynamics of the performance remain, there are no sharp edges even when the volume is turned up, and the sound is stable.