Compression is one of the most useful tools we have at our disposal when it comes to producing great music. Whether you use it to balance dynamics or as a creative effect, compression is incredibly powerful when used tastefully.
However, it does seem that more often than not, we have a tendency to overuse this powerful tool.
Personally, I love hearing dynamics in music and one of my main goals as a producer and mixing engineer is to keep the dynamics in music.
In this video, you’ll learn why you might be overusing compression and how to avoid doing that in future…
Now, I’d love to know…
Have you ever overused compression? If so, what did you do about it and what did you learn?
Leave a comment below!
professional sounding mix every time...
I’m going to have to plead the 5th on this one, I’d like to speak to my attorney! I was told those records were expunged and I would never have to worry about it again…
It’s going to happen to you too – there are two kind of mixers in this world those that have over compressed and those that eventually will! I think referencing is the only medicine for this problem, so unless we’re comparing our mix to the pros we really run the risk of overcooking what would have been a great mix. Frequent breaks are also helpful in that regard
Thanks Pat. Agreed! Over-compression happens but it’s important to reference and dial it back. I think the steps in this video help a lot to avoid over-compression.
Pro Tools, Pro Tools ,Pro Tools Pro Tools Pro Tools Pro Tools ….ummmmm. Thanks for the time and effort you put in to this. Thanks for information you send out . we appreciate it. btw not everyone uses Pro Tools.
Thanks Angel. Yes… Pro Tools is my DAW of choice. Almost everything I demonstrate will be demonstrated in Pro Tools. It’s transferrable to all other DAWs if you understand the core concepts. For example… the overuse of compression is not exclusive to Pro Tools users. Hope that helps!
10-4, The over use of compression in any DAW has the possibility of being detrimental to a mix. I run SONAR Professional in my modest home studio environment. I’ll run both software and hardware compression (though not simultaneously), in order to get my desired results. But, yes one MUST understand basics of compression in any case. As an effect, a properly set-up, close mic’d, confidently played steel string, acoustic guitar, sound cannot be beat! But it takes experience, trail and error to get it right.
(i get stoked just thinking about it!)
Thanks again for bringing us your insight.