Audio Compressor Threshold Ratio

For every signal that goes over the threshold it gets compressed according to a certain ratio.

Audio compressor threshold ratio. If you have a semi. Ratio determines how much gain reduction your compressor applies when the signal goes above your threshold. Audio compression can be daunting. 60 db means a larger portion of the signal is treated.

The higher the first number of the ratio the greater the factor by which the gain is reduced. When the audio signal exceeds the threshold by 10db the compressor reduces the signal 5db. This is the same compression as used above but with a fast attack. Some people find learning how to use compression problematic.

When the signal level is below the threshold no. It s called the ratio because it s expressed in comparison to the unaffected signal. You will see ratios represented in this manner 1 1 4 1 8 1 etc. Fet compression with a 2 1 ratio medium attack and release and the threshold just peaking.

Threshold is commonly set in decibels dbfs for digital compressors and dbu for hardware compressors where a lower threshold e g. The faster you have the attack set the quicker the compressor clamps down on the signal. Opto compression with a slow attack and release 6 1 ratio and a very low threshold. A compressor reduces the level of an audio signal if its amplitude exceeds a certain threshold.

Same as above but with a 30 1 ratio. This is where compression can affect the tone of the sound not just the volume. The ratio is where you determine how much compression you are going to apply to a signal that goes over your threshold. A compressor with a threshold at 10db and a 3 1 ratio is a nice starting point for vocals.

Say three to one. In this guide i want to teach you exactly how to use a compressor. This is the classic drum pumping sound. One of the main ways to modify the compression is by the compressor s ratio.

But here s the solution there are only five key parameters that matter when it comes to compression. The more the signal lives above the threshold the more consistently and the more often the compressor will be working. If the ratio is set at 2 1 for every 2db the audio signal goes over the threshold you get 1db of output above the threshold. Mix adjusting threshold if the signal is too low or doesn t cross the threshold the compressor will simply allow the signal to pass through unchanged.

A ratio of around 3 1 can be considered moderate compression 5 1 would be medium compression 8 1 starts getting into strong compression and 20 1 twenty to one thru 1 infinity to one would be considered limiting by most and can be used to ensure that a signal does not exceed the amplitude of the threshold. Ok so that s the essential function of a compressor the rest of the compressor s settings essentially modify this main function. Ratio decide when and how much audio compression is applied attack and release decide how fast or slow and for how long the compression is applied. Set the compressor with a medium ratio.

Ratio threshold attack release and gain.