We also want a fast release so we avoid squashing the mix too much, so we set it to 0.5, the fastest setting, and slam the ratio all the way to 10:1. We need a fast attack to avoid clicks, so we turn it down to. We crank the threshold clockwise to about -4. We load up Waves’ API2500, an emulation of the famous VCA-style compressor, and get to work.įirst, we make sure the compressor is in full reset (init) mode, set the meter to monitor output levels, and flip the Analog switch for analogue emulation. The drum programming is fine but the overall mix sounds a little lifeless. Let’s see how VCA compressors can shape a sound. Don’t hit them too hard though, as they’re known to distort when pushed, and thorough plugin emulations will retain this characteristic.įamous VCA compressors include the SSL Buss Compressor and the API 2500. They also have a large number of controls, meaning they’re versatile. Given their love of drums, most buss compressors are based around VCA technology. They’re fast and punchy on rhythmic material so they’ll smooth out peaks without squashing everything in sight. VCA compressors are what you want when you need transparency. Click on any image to see a larger version. The compression in some of our examples are rather subtle so we recommend listening carefully on headphones. If you find yourself scratching your head, please take a look at this tutorial and then come back. Note that this tutorial assumes you are broadly familiar with how to use a compressor. It’s also important to know what kind of compressor to use and when. Even if you’re a compressor master (see our interview the with Ambivalent) and know how to properly use attack, release, and threshold settings, this often isn’t enough. Originally made for leveling out voices for radio broadcast, today compressors are employed for everything from taming peaks to adding colour to nuking as an effect. We’ll also run the same audio file through all of them to give you an idea of just how much each compressor type differs. In this tutorial, we’ll go through the main types of compressors and show you when to use them.
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