Compression clarification

sureno · #1 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008 , 12:38 PM

ok, iv been using compression for some time now but i want to get something straight on ratio? e.g 4:1 would signify that if the dynamic range from the signal goes above the threshold by 4db it squashes the signal to -1db from the threshold setting?

am i correct

Dave Boulden · #2 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008 , 12:40 PM

Nearly... any signal that goes above the threshold is squashed by that ratio relative to the threshold point... in this instance, if the signal is 4dB above the threshold, it will be reduced to 1dB above the threshold.

sureno · #3 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008 , 12:43 PM

oh right i thought it was something like that so 10:1, if signal goes above threshold by 10db the signal is brought back down to threshold +1db

Dave Boulden · #4 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008 , 12:46 PM

Yep... that's it at a basic level. Other time-based factors come in to play with attack and release times and hard-knee/soft-knee settings or characteristics of each compressor also graduate the effect of the compression ratio as the threshold is passed, but you have the basic premise correct now.

sureno · #5 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008 , 12:49 PM

thanks man, im ok with the other factors its just for some reason ratio bugged me???

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#1 (permalink) 21st August 2008 , 12:38 PM
sureno Forum Idol Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: west london depot Posts: 3,508	Compression clarification ok, iv been using compression for some time now but i want to get something straight on ratio? e.g 4:1 would signify that if the dynamic range from the signal goes above the threshold by 4db it squashes the signal to -1db from the threshold setting? am i correct ______________________________ I'v licked my fair share of Peanut Butter!!! (If i carry on pushing the boundries i may mysteriously disappear) www.sureno.co.uk
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#2 (permalink) 21st August 2008 , 12:40 PM
Dave Boulden Keeper o' the Keys! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kent, UK. Posts: 564	Nearly... any signal that goes above the threshold is squashed by that ratio relative to the threshold point... in this instance, if the signal is 4dB above the threshold, it will be reduced to 1dB above the threshold. ______________________________ http://www.daveboulden.co.uk/
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#3 (permalink) 21st August 2008 , 12:43 PM
sureno Forum Idol Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: west london depot Posts: 3,508	oh right i thought it was something like that so 10:1, if signal goes above threshold by 10db the signal is brought back down to threshold +1db ______________________________ I'v licked my fair share of Peanut Butter!!! (If i carry on pushing the boundries i may mysteriously disappear) www.sureno.co.uk
Online

#4 (permalink) 21st August 2008 , 12:46 PM
Dave Boulden Keeper o' the Keys! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kent, UK. Posts: 564	Yep... that's it at a basic level. Other time-based factors come in to play with attack and release times and hard-knee/soft-knee settings or characteristics of each compressor also graduate the effect of the compression ratio as the threshold is passed, but you have the basic premise correct now. ______________________________ http://www.daveboulden.co.uk/
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#5 (permalink) 21st August 2008 , 12:49 PM
sureno Forum Idol Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: west london depot Posts: 3,508	thanks man, im ok with the other factors its just for some reason ratio bugged me??? ______________________________ I'v licked my fair share of Peanut Butter!!! (If i carry on pushing the boundries i may mysteriously disappear) www.sureno.co.uk
Online

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