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Dynamic Processing Guide

Compression Fundamentals

Threshold & Ratio

  • Threshold: Level at which compression begins
  • 2:1: Light compression (vocal leveling)
  • 4:1: Medium compression (drums, bass)
  • 8:1+: Heavy compression (parallel compression)

Attack & Release

  • Fast attack tames transients
  • Slow attack preserves punch
  • Auto release for natural sound
  • Match release to tempo when possible

Knee

  • Hard knee: Abrupt compression
  • Soft knee: Gradual compression
  • Use soft knee for transparent leveling
  • Hard knee for aggressive control

Advanced Compression Techniques

Parallel Compression

  • Blend compressed and dry signals
  • Use high ratios (4:1 to 8:1)
  • Fast attack, fast release
  • Ideal for drums and vocals

Multiband Compression

  • Compress specific frequency ranges
  • Great for controlling bass
  • Use on mix bus with caution
  • Subtle settings work best

Sidechain Compression

  • Duck elements based on others
  • Bass ducking to kick drum
  • Create pumping effects
  • Use in EDM production

Limiting & Maximizing

Brickwall Limiting

  • Set ceiling to -0.3 to -1.0 dBFS
  • 1-3dB gain reduction for mastering
  • Use true peak limiting
  • Check for distortion

Loudness Maximizing

  • Multiple stages work best
  • Start with gentle compression
  • Add limiting last
  • Reference commercial tracks

Dynamic Processing by Instrument

Vocals

  • 2:1 to 4:1 ratio
  • Medium attack (5-20ms)
  • Auto or medium release
  • 3-6dB gain reduction

Drums

  • Parallel compression
  • 4:1 to 8:1 ratio
  • Fast attack, fast release
  • Up to 10dB reduction

Bass

  • 4:1 ratio
  • Medium attack
  • Sidechain to kick
  • 3-6dB reduction