Compression A-Z guide (obs, audacity, audition, multiband compressor)

What is compression in audio editing softwares (audacity &, Adobe audition)?

compression is a technique to reduce higher volumes above the threshold. By a certain ratio.

Parameters

Threshold: -10

Ratio; 1:2

attack time: 5ns

release time: 50ms

hold time: *

Gain: +4db

in above params,

We can understand that, if audio level goes above -10db for more than 5ms.

Then compressor will attacks reduces noise by 1:2 ratio, once it reaches after 50ms release time compressor stops if any gain input not there, if gain is there it will boost and stops.

If once again audio hits above threshold it follows above steps in live audio processing. Post processing it’s take sometime to apply entire audio track.

So this how a compression works in obs, audacity audition etc.

A advanced effect available in Adobe audition but not in audacity.

It’s have flexibility to compress the audio in specific frequency.

we can skip a band , or we use only 1 band out of 3-5. more control.

In  audio processing compression takes 2nd to 3rd part.but Equalizer takes first place.

attack & release time , threshold and gain parameters plays vital role.

Over compressing & boosting gain leads unwanted such as background takes main place.

Weaker audio signals due to over processing.

Tube modeled compressor

Vocal enhancer:

Its focus on vocal db level 20-10db.

above 10db it’s cuts and between 20-10db boosts to improve vocals.

high attack & release time useful for drums ,& fast beats.

most of the times compression not alone avoid noise distortion .

We can eliminate with Hard limiter in a click.

some mobile audio editors like lexis audio editor won’t have hard limiter effect.

Hardware compressors vs mixers vs audio processing softwares