Lesson 13: Signal Processing Dynamic Based Compressors-Volume Control - Posted on 2015-05-19 by Jonathan Graham

Compressor- is a device in wich signal gain decreases as imput level increases. This reduction occurs at or above a set point called a threshold.

Limiter- is a compressor through which most of the output level is not allowed to go over a set threshold.

When a fader virtually changes up or down a virtual downward fader may be called a Compressor-Automatic fader

The Ratio determines the amount of volume control being applied to the sound.

In order to reduce a sound like "ssss" or sibilance, a special compressor called a frequency-selector-compressor.

Typical compressor & Expander relase settings are between 25ms and 2secs.

Actual release time

• Gain reduction x release setting / 10db = .5secs
  • (5db x 1sec) / 10db = .5sec

Release- time it takes the compressor to return to normal gain after operating above the threshold.

Attack- the time it takes the compressor to reach the signal once it has risen above the threshold.