Plugin manufacturers have developed digital equivalents to bring those timeless tones to your DAW.įET compression is one of the most essential compressor sounds in music. Those classic sounds are still in high demand today. Most of them come from the days of analog hardware. The concept seems simple, but there are different ways to implement compression that have different sounds and uses in a mix. You’ll need to reduce the dynamic range of most signals you record so that both the loud and quiet moments are equally audible in the mix.Ĭheck out our detailed guide to compressors if you need a more in-depth overview to get you up to speed. Dynamic range means the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound. In this guide I’ll go through each style of compressor, recommend a smart choice for every budget and show the best ways to use them in your mix or master.Ī compressor is an audio processor that’s used in mixing to reduce the dynamic range of audio signals. You’ll always get the right tool for the job if you know what a compressor does, the different compressor types and where they work best. There are thousands of compressor VSTs out there, and not all of them work well for every task.Įven so, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With such a key part of the music production process, you need to have tools you can rely on.īut choosing the right compressor plugin isn’t easy. You’ll probably apply them on every single track in your session before the mix is complete. Compression and EQ are the two most essential tools in mixing.

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