basic compressor question

[mdk]

I would hope so.

[2be]

I wouldn't rely on the UI, especially with such a sensitive task as compressing where you actually make things sound worse and not even notice it if you don't A/B after every change. Close your eyes and listen!

[taffmonster]

compression blows my mind. I'm constantly questioning whether I'm doing it right. a lot of the time i feel like I am but with no one to stop me and say "hey your mixing is shit" i never really know.

[Tarekith]

See if this clears it up for you:

http://tarekith.com/assets/pdfs/DynamicsControl.pdf

[Tarekith]

It cna be a subtle thing, it takes time to learn how to hear it at first IMO.

[minimals]

Compression is a mysterious subject. You really should study how a compressor works before using one on your own work. Many people seem to just stick a compressor on to every track in their project because they feel they have to, regardless of whether one is actually needed or not. How compressors actually work and what they do to a sound is very simple.

Have fun researching and once you figure out how compressors work and how they can be used you will never look back.

Tip - If you want some nice compressor plugins check my sig

[Vios]

I'm not sure how exactly ableton's compressor displays gain reduction, but for the vast majority of compressors: no. If you have short attack and release times and are only applying a small amount of compression, it's very likely you'll get a small amount of compression applied, but it will be so quick the 'display' won't catch it.

I know this is true for Ableton's limiter. I've seen it keep my peaks below 0 without showing any blip on the meter.