What Is A Compressor And How Should It Be Used? Compression is - TopicsExpress

What Is A Compressor And How Should It Be Used? Compression is a common effect used both in live and studio settings to do several things- - Help tame or reduce dynamic range of an instrument or vocal to make a more consistent sound. A good example might be a vocalist who whispers the verses but really projects during the chorus parts. The compressor effectively raises the level of the whispers and holds the loud parts back to keep a more consistent level. - Bring an instrument more “forward” in the mix- This might be a kick drum or bass guitar that is not being heard over the other instruments. The compressor can do a great job here in increasing the perceived loudness of the instrument that needs the help - Protect the system from damage due to overloads. Some professionals call compressors “comp/limiters” which is really redundant, since a limiter is really a compressor set very aggressively to “limit” or govern the output so as not to exceed a set maximum level. After seeing how frustrated and confusing it can be for sound people to set up a compressor with all its different parameters, Yamaha designed the single knob version you see on our MG and MGP series mixers to take the guesswork out of setting and operation. For instance, when the compressor is reducing levels, it becomes necessary to add some gain or level after the compressor to replace the lost level. Our engineers found a way to make adjustments to the multiple parameters with a single knob. The ultimate goal was to allow you to get back to the performance and not need an engineering class to make an effective adjustment. One bit of advice- When using a compressor, if possible, use something other than your own voice to check or adjust a compressor. Because of the way we hear our own voice through vibrations in the bone structures of our head, subtle effect changes (including compression) can be very difficult to perceive. Of course, with practice you’ll develop this perception, but using another voice or an instrument will give better results. Some other manufacturers have recently added this feature with varying levels of success.