My friends at Facebook know that I have been working on this rather mammoth article on “Audio Compression for Beginners” for days. The reasons why I am always so passionate towards sharing what I’ve learned are simply twofold – one is rather selfish and one is not.
- Nearly all of us who use the Internet regularly use it to search for some information, opinions, or knowledge. Most of the stuffs in the Internet are written by ordinary folks who do it as a hobby. Since I’ve been at the beneficiary end for so long, it is only right to contribute whenever, whatever I can. Besides, someone has to populate, right?
- I believe that if I have already spent X number of hours to learn a new skill, spending an extra Y number of hours writing what I’ve learned and share with others forces me to internalize what I’ve absorbed and challenges me to question myself what I’ve learned. Besides, I sincerely hope that my this website lasts longer than any paper notes and electronic files I have at hands so I can always refer to what I’ve learned.
So, why would anyone care about audio compression besides ooo’ing and aah’ing on my article that is equivalent to my 5 days worth of blog materials packed with over 30 diagrams including a hand drawn illustration that looks like a blueprint of some NASA secret weapons?
Well, it is a skill that helps to make your audio recording sounds professional. Very much like what the airbrush does to all those photos of the models in the magazines, the gravy and garnish on your main course, and the make-up you wear before your big date. You’ll need that for your Podcast, video editing, and music recording. Why? Because without audio compression, the sound appears to be thin and soft; because you want your home video to not only look but also sound like a Hollywood blockbuster; and because with a touch of technology, your band sounds much better than when you play live – pretty much like most of the bands in the world.
And perhaps you are just curious and wondering what I have been obsessing with these days. Go on. Just click it.
Continue to read: Audio Compression for Beginners: Setting Compressor Threshold, Ratio, Knee, Attack, Release, and More.
6 replies on “Audio Effect: Compressor!”
Wah! Too technical for me lah! Since you are a very kind soul, I expect you to set up for me. hahaha……
btw… any time Cynthia and you or just you, are free, you can call me for a tour of Katong. I would be glad to show you around. There’s a rich heritage waiting to be explored.
ECL – Sure I am more than happy to set one up for you. So, when are you going Podcast ah?
And sure … if you need a hiking guide for any of the 4 upper and lower reservoirs near our place … give me a shout!
You want to set up a Podcast for me? Wheeee…. Hear my sexy voice. I think I tell stories better on air leh….
What do I need?
I’m a tofu woman… going on a hike would be disastrous for you. hehehe…..
ECL – For Podcasting, you don’t need much to start with. And depending on your passion, you can invest more along the way.
Sure, hearing your voices would be nice 🙂
Do I supose to compress the final mix down when I try to masterize the song?…and….I just Compress the song…or I have to do some thing before like normalize it….?
Mac Jones – I prefer to do a track-by-track compression. For example, the compressor I use for bass would be different from the one I use for, say, vocal.