SteveB
Well-known member
A good compressor lets you modify the 'attack' and 'release' times of the compression. With these settings you can create different behaviours such as: setting the parameters in such a way that you have a nice, uniform attack on each note. Or, you can dial in a less 'intrusive' setting that just prevents a slam on an open string from killing audience members. (Bongo owners, take note! 
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JB1, remember it's a limiter which is most often used to prevent speaker (or other equipment) damage. A compressor just evens out your overall level (when dialed in properly).
Compressors are used on vocals to keep 'p' pops or other abrupt sounds from jumping out of the mix as well.
In recording, I use them most often on mixdown to even out the levels on vocal tracks so that I don't have to ride the faders so much. If you have a singer with good mic technique, there is much less need for this.
For guitar (yes, I'm from the 6+ string side of the forum), a compressor is nice for flatpicked clean sounds. It helps achieve uniform attack on each note. Sure, good technique precludes such a device, but when you're playing live, you can't always be so focused unless you're one of those dudes who just stands there looking at his guitar neck. I tend to be a little more animated when gigging..
)JB1, remember it's a limiter which is most often used to prevent speaker (or other equipment) damage. A compressor just evens out your overall level (when dialed in properly).
Compressors are used on vocals to keep 'p' pops or other abrupt sounds from jumping out of the mix as well.
In recording, I use them most often on mixdown to even out the levels on vocal tracks so that I don't have to ride the faders so much. If you have a singer with good mic technique, there is much less need for this.
For guitar (yes, I'm from the 6+ string side of the forum), a compressor is nice for flatpicked clean sounds. It helps achieve uniform attack on each note. Sure, good technique precludes such a device, but when you're playing live, you can't always be so focused unless you're one of those dudes who just stands there looking at his guitar neck. I tend to be a little more animated when gigging..
