Thus far, he has covered the basic theory of compression and gates, and the various ways to connect dynamics processors. But all the theory in the world is not meaningful until we can apply the theory. Here are some basic settings for compressors for various applications:
Compressor Application Notes
Vocals
SOFT - Easy compression. A low ratio setting for ballads allowing a wider dynamic range. Good for ‘live’ use. This setting lets the vocal sit ‘in the track’.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -8.2dB | 1.8:1 | .002ms | 38mS |
MEDIUM - More limiting than 1 for a narrower dynamic range. It moves the vocal more up front in the mix.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -3.3dB | 2.8:1 | .002ms | 38mS |
SCREAMER - For loud vocals. Fairly hard compression for a vocalist who is ‘on’ and ‘off’ the microphone a lot. It puts the voice ‘in your face’.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -1.1dB | 3.8:1 | .002ms | 38mS |
Percussion:
SNARE/KICK - Allows the first transient through and compresses the rest of the signal giving a hard snap up front with a longer release.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -2.1dB | 3.5:1 | 78mS | 300mS |
L/R (Stereo) OVERHEAD - A low ratio and threshold gives a ‘fat’ contour to even out the sound from overhead drum mics. Low end is increased and the overall sound is more present and less ambient. More ‘boom’ less ‘room’.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -13.7dB | 1.3:1 | 27mS | 128mS |
Fretted
ELECTRIC BASS - A fast attack and slow release to tighten up the electric bass and give you control for more consistent level.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -4.4dB | 2.6:1 | 47.5mS | 189mS |
ACOUSTIC GUITAR - This setting accentuates the attack of the acoustic guitar and helps maintain an even signal level keeping the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the track.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -6.3dB | 3.4:1 | 188mS | 400mS |
ELECTRIC GUITAR - A setting for ‘crunch’ electric rhythm guitar. A slow attack helps get the electric rhythm guitar up close and personal and gives punch to your crunch.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 0.1dB | 2.4:1 | 26mS | 194mS |
Keyboards
PIANO - A special setting for an even level. Designed to help even up the top and bottom of an acoustic piano. Helps the left hand be heard with the right hand.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 10.8dB | 1.9:1 | 108mS | 112mS |
SYNTH - Fast attack and release for synthesizer horn stabs and for bass lines played on a synthesizer.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 11.9dB | 1.8:1 | .002mS | 85mS |
ORCHESTRAL - Use this setting for string ‘pads’ and other types of synthesized orchestra parts. It will decrease the overall dynamic range for easier placement in the mix.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 3.3dB | 2.5:1 | 1.8mS | 50mS |
Stereo
STEREO LIMITER - Just as the name implies. A hard limiter setting (brick wall) ideal for controlling
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 5.5dB | 7.1:1 | .001mS | 98mS |
CONTOUR - A contoured setting for use on the stereo output to fatten up the mix.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -13.4dB | 1.2:1 | .002mS | 182mS |
Effects
SQUEEZE - Dynamic compression for solo work, especially electric guitar. It gives you that glassy
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| -4.6dB | 2.4:1 | 7.2mS | 93mS |
PUMP - Make the Blue Max ‘pump up the prime’. A setting for making the compressor pump in a
desirable way. This effect is good for snare drum to increase the length of the transient by bringing the signal up after the initial spike. Very contemporary.
| Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release |
| 0dB | 1.9:1 | 1mS | .001mS |
Editor’s note: These are the settings on PreSonus’s very competent Blue Max compressor: it used pre-set settings for various applications. These specifications are from those settings. Many entry-level compressors aren’t this precise; you’ll need to use these as approximations and experiment. Or you can use a compressor with presets. Note that the Blue Max has been replaced by the PreSonus COMP16, and its presets are based on these numbers from Blue Max. The COMP16 sells for $129.95, and it sounds wonderful!
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