Lesson 13 - Posted on 2013-09-03 by Shane Reimer

Signal Processing dynamic based:  Compressors - Volume Control

So this lesson Matt and I went over compressors, limiters, clipper limiters, and all the controls on a compressor.  I learned about attack, release, gain, threshold, knee, etc. and how they affect compression and the sound you're using a compressor on. I've also been using these in ProTools and messing around with different compressors trying to get different sounds or a decent sound in general.  I've also been learning about an important vocal signal processor called a de-esser which helps with sibilance through a microphone and removes the "sss" or hissing sound that humans make when using words with "S".  This really helps clear up your vocals if the singer is using a lot of words that begin or end with S.

Matt also showed me how to "gate" a snare and kick drum and how the release time affects the amount of time the gate is open and the sound is passing through!  This is very important tool for getting your drums to sound crisp and clear and not mudded up within your mix.  The past two lessons have definitely had a lot of information within them but it's all very important information and it focuses on a lot of tools I'll be using with ProTools!  I'm excited to learn more and watch Matt use what I've learned in the studio!