Course 2: Compressors in Depth

In the second course, you will be covering an overall knowledge of compressors. This is essential to the engineer when producing a commercial-sounding recording as a final product. Here you will be covering the many different types of compressors, their overall use, functionality, and type of characteristics compressors have over a sound signal.

The use of compressors can be integral in enhancing and perfecting a track. Having a thorough understanding of the types and options enables you to make well-informed choices and successful outcomes. Further exploration into what each compressor offers is necessary for unlocking new possibilities and enabling you to shape and manipulate sound with increased accuracy.

Compressors come in various styles and sounds, ranging from smooth and transparent to fast and mechanical. Often, those with a more human-sounding quality are used on dynamic elements of a song, such as vocals or drums, to help bring out their true character. On the other hand, compressors that sound more mechanical are usually employed to create consistency among the foundational components of a track. Ultimately, the use of compressors should be seen less as an exact science and more as an art form.

This section will also cover a compressor’s limitations, and the most commonly used compressor, depending on the job. There are many different types of compressors out there, and using the right one with the right techniques is essential for a professional recording engineer or producer.