Compressors

[Casual5]

I know that compressors are used to limit unwanted noise but can anyone please explain how I can use them and what the attack, threshold etc is?

 

Thanks

[Ben Langfeld]

I think you may have compressors confused with gates. Gates have a trigger level at which point the gate opens and allows audio to pass. My favourite explanation of a compressor is that it squashes the audio down to reduce the differences in level, then makes the whole lot louder again.

[minty]

Compressors are not really used to limit unwanted noise, I think you may mean Gates.

 

Both are types of dynamic processor which have similar controls.

 

Dynamic processors are generally inserted into the signal path of either a single channel, a group or main mix output.

 

Gates are, fundamentally switches making and breaking the circuit which the audio signal passes through.

They generaly remain closed (not allowing signal through) unless the input signal reaches or exceeds a given level.

 

Gates usually have the following controls:

 

Threshold : The level at which the gate opens

Attack: The speed at which the gate opens

Delay or hold (less common): The length of time the gate will remain open when the signal level has dropped back below the threshold

Release: The time over which the gate closes after the signal has dropped below the threshold.

 

Hope that helps,

 

Martin

 

 

Edit - Beaten to it!