[dnb-prod] Re: Compression

[Youdirtyrat]

actually Ive tried everything from Alesis Nanocompressor to T-racks to the plugins built into fruity, and I can  tell you setttings vary from compressor to compressor too, as well as being a preference thing.  Heres the text from the infamous Computer Music article on the subject, althoiugh I tell you I think this guy is a little too heavy handed with the knobs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUM TRACK
Threshold: -15db  Ratio: between 5:1 and 8:1 attack 5ms release 10 ms or auto (fast)

VOCALS
Between 3 and 8dB is a 'standard' threshold setting � however, which you choose depends on your singer's style and gender. Female vocalists usually require more compression than male. Set it around -5.5dB, with a ratio of 4:1 - just enough to stop any signal peaks filtering through. For vocals you need to use the fastest attack that your unit will allow along with the fastest release. It's better to use an auto setting for release (if there is one) than to set it up yourself, as it will change automatically to suit. Use the make-up gain to adjust the volume.

BASS
Compressing a bassline depends on whether it's synthetic or real. A real bass requires a lot more compression, so we'll start by compressing this one first. The threshold should be set between -2dB and -10dB. For a more dubby sounding bass set the threshold to -9dB.
A pretty high ratio is needed to prevent the bass from dominating the mix, so set the ratio to 8:1. If there is an initial 'plucking' to the bassline, use an attack of 8ms with a release of 10ms, as this will allow the plucking sound through untouched.

SYNTH BASS
A synthetic bassline needs a little less compression, as it's already heavily compressed at the source, but with careful settings it's possible to make it a little louder and more noticeable without swamping your mix. Set the threshold at -4dB, with a ratio of 4:1. Again, if there is a filter 'pluck' at the beginning of the note, we want to let it through and only compress the rest of the note, so set the attack at 6ms - less if there isn't a 'pluck'. Then set the release at around 10ms, or preferably set it to auto.

BRASS/WIND
Brass and wind instruments also benefit from some slight compression to reduce any peaks in the signal and help them sit better in the mix. Set the threshold at -14dB with a ratio of 8:1, a fast attack of around 2ms and again a quick release of 10ms. Again, auto will work.

GUITAR
Last up, before we get to compressing the full mix, are the acoustic guitars. For these, set the threshold at -14dB, with a ratio of 8:1. Again, if there are any plucking sounds, we don't want to compress them, so set the attack to around 4ms with an auto or very short release.

WHOLE MIX
For the final compression we're strapping Waves RCL across the full mix. Set the threshold to around -9dB with a ratio of 2:1 and a quick attack and release. This will compress most of the instruments except the vocal line, which can then sit at the front of the mix.
---
Drum&Bass Arena Producers Discussion List http://www.breakbeat.co.uk
You are currently subscribed to dnb-prod as: archive@jab.org
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]