Compressor
Overview
Compressor is a flexible dynamics processor for single or multi-band operation. With up to 3 bands of upward and downward compression, it provides precise control across the spectrum, from subtle enhancement to over-the-top effects.
1. Effect Dropdown
The Effect Dropdown lets you remove or swap the effect and load or save sub-presets. See Shared Settings for dropdown options and detailed descriptions.
2. Compressor Bands
Selects the number of compression bands.
1-Band. Traditional full-spectrum compression that affects all frequencies equally.
2-Band. Splits the signal into low and high bands for targeted control.
3-Band. Splits the signal into low, mid, and high bands for full-spectrum shaping.
3. Compressor Display
The Compressor Display lets you adjust crossover frequencies and per-band threshold and ratio settings.
The display provides the following controls:
Crossover Frequencies. Drag the vertical handles to set the crossover points between bands and target specific frequency ranges.
Downward Threshold. Drag the upper wide horizontal line on each band to set its downward compression threshold. Downward compression reduces gain when the signal exceeds this level.
Downward Ratio. Drag the band’s stacked lines to set the downward compression ratio. Higher ratios apply more gain reduction; 1:1 applies none.
Upward Threshold. Drag the lower wide horizontal line on each band to set its upward compression threshold. Upward compression adds gain when the signal falls below this level.
Upward Ratio. Drag the band’s stacked lines to set the upward compression ratio. Higher ratios apply more gain boost; 1:1 applies none.
4. Compressor Controls
Per-Band Makeup Gain. Sets the output gain of each compressor band individually. This is useful for balancing the level of each band after applying the desired amount of compression.
Attack. Controls how quickly the compressor responds once the signal exceeds the threshold. Faster settings will more tightly control transients, while slower settings provide punchier and more transparent leveling.
Release. Determines how quickly compression eases off after the signal drops below the threshold. Faster settings will product louder pumping effects while slower settings are more transparent but result in more overall gain reduction.
Depth. Scales the intensity of compression across all bands. 0% applies no compression; 200% exaggerates the per-band settings. This can be thought of as increasing or decreasing the ratio of all compressors at the same time.
5. Mix Controls
In. Sets the level of the input signal before the effect. This can be used to change the level before compression is applied, producing a more or less intense effect.
Out. Sets the final level after processing and dry/wet mixing. This can be used to apply makeup gain across all bands at once.
Mix. Blends the unprocessed (dry) and processed (wet) signals. This can be used for parallel compression effects, allowing you to compress more aggressively while still letting some of the dry signal through.
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