Using a Software Compressor for semiprofessional studios.

[Nilsefix]

Hey!
Im pretty new to this whole studio thing , and im in this huge learningprocess now . And ive figured out that compressor is something you just have to know how and when , where and why you need to use .
So , hehe .. Why , when and where do you use a compressor . I know a little about it , but i have only some good software compressors , and often fall for the good old presets
How can i add power and warmth with a compressor ?
Is it normal to put a compressor on the Mastertrack on a song ?

Nilsefix

[bachle7]

I apply the compressor on the master track. My main purpose is to adjust the volume so it doesn't sound super quiet on a CD. If you listen to a "real" CD, you can hear the huge loud sound. With the compressor, you can adjust the gain and still keep it from clipping.

[davester1234]

It also allows you to glue together the sound of multiple mics used to record your guitar.

Record with room mics, amp mics, rear mics etc, then compress the signal of all the mics combined to glue them together nicely.




You can also compress to make the bass sound more even, to increase volume by limiting gain, to gloss over drum tracks, to help even out acoustic guitar sounds (any one whose ever recorded 'more than words 'and was lucky enough to apply a compressor to the guitar knows how good it works for acoustics), and to smooth out vocals. its like a sonic "iron"...gets the wrinkles out of good takes.