Do you ever think compressors, suck?

[bmanic]

It's good to remind yourself sometimes that a compressor isn't just for keeping dynamics in check. It can also be used for the exact opposite purpose and as a "swing generator" (or even a "swing killer").

A lot of classic records would sound nothing like they do today without the compression applied in various stages.

Take for instance Nirvana's song In Bloom. Listen to the original release, then the remastered "best of Nirvana" collection (I think it was released around 2009 or something like that). It's not just the loudness war that changed that remaster but the actual compression used during mastering. The swing is lost.

.. or basically any disco track from the 70's, or soulful funk stuff from 80's. The way the music swings and every bar gets sort of underlined with an extra thud of power. A lot of the nuance is not just due to the skillful musicians involved, some credit goes to the compressor.

I find compressors absolutely fascinating.

[foosnark]

I've found more than once that a compressor sounds amazingly great and "just works" when I'm trying it out. And then when I'm working on an actual track, that same awesome, great-sounding, easy to use compressor murders everything if I try to do much with it.

I do tend to use Presswerk on the master channel for fairly transparent limiting, though I also usually follow that up with tweaking dynamics in Sound Forge after rendering it to WAV.

[MogwaiBoy]

I think compressors are an incredible tool but agree they can have a negative effect. The very act of reducing dynamics is not always desireable. Outside of Planet Beatport and commercial radio (which is itself dying), it appears the 'Loudness War' has reached a ceasefire of sorts and dynamics are becoming more accepted. I hope that trend continues.

My Bloody Valentine are arguably one of the loudest bands to ever exist - and this is the combined waveform of their album released in 2013:

[elxsound]

It's good to remind yourself sometimes that a compressor isn't just for keeping dynamics in check. It can also be used for the exact opposite purpose and as a "swing generator" (or even a "swing killer").

A lot of classic records would sound nothing like they do today without the compression applied in various stages.

Take for instance Nirvana's song In Bloom. Listen to the original release, then the remastered "best of Nirvana" collection (I think it was released around 2009 or something like that). It's not just the loudness war that changed that remaster but the actual compression used during mastering. The swing is lost.

.. or basically any disco track from the 70's, or soulful funk stuff from 80's. The way the music swings and every bar gets sort of underlined with an extra thud of power. A lot of the nuance is not just due to the skillful musicians involved, some credit goes to the compressor.

I find compressors absolutely fascinating.

Time to do some crate digging... I never really thought of compressors for adding/subtracting swing with a compressor, but it makes sense.

Thanks for this post!

[ObsoleteAcc99]

[DELETED]

[kvaca]

A lot of classic records would sound nothing like they do today without the compression applied in various stages.

probably we are not talking about the same classic records, since many of them are causing me nausea because of hearable compression, which is killing otherwise interesting music /unnaturally loud beginning of song followed by broken sound, broken release of cymbal sound after every kick drum hit etc.../, many of these ugly artifacts are off course augumented when a modern remastering is provided...

The way the music swings and every bar gets sort of underlined with an extra thud of power. A lot of the nuance is not just due to the skillful musicians involved, some credit goes to the compressor.

if any compressor is so much important, probably it should be credited on album cover, too
/along with brand of used guitars, guitar strings, drums and cymbals etc.../
but theres no doubt that compressors are overused in dance music of all kinds, or in rock music for making drums more agressive sounding...

I find compressors absolutely fascinating.

me too, and at the same time I find them the most dangerous thing...while other fx are made to be heard /like phasers, delays, reverbs../, best compressors are not to be heard at all

[camsr]

It's good to remind yourself sometimes that a compressor isn't just for keeping dynamics in check. It can also be used for the exact opposite purpose and as a "swing generator" (or even a "swing killer").

A lot of classic records would sound nothing like they do today without the compression applied in various stages.

Take for instance Nirvana's song In Bloom. Listen to the original release, then the remastered "best of Nirvana" collection (I think it was released around 2009 or something like that). It's not just the loudness war that changed that remaster but the actual compression used during mastering. The swing is lost.

.. or basically any disco track from the 70's, or soulful funk stuff from 80's. The way the music swings and every bar gets sort of underlined with an extra thud of power. A lot of the nuance is not just due to the skillful musicians involved, some credit goes to the compressor.

I find compressors absolutely fascinating.

Time to do some crate digging... I never really thought of compressors for adding/subtracting swing with a compressor, but it makes sense.

Thanks for this post!

If it "adds swing" then I guess it's okay, I am more interested in compressors that tighten up the sound but in a relaxing way.

[kvaca]

If it "adds swing" then I guess it's okay, I am more interested in compressors that tighten up the sound but in a relaxing way.

seems to me like a contradiction in terms, isnt it?

[incubus]

Even though you dis-honor me with calling me by my previous name, you should be aware:

Compressors are NOT necessarily about "squishing" and can be about color or "taming"

Limiters ARE NOT "compressors"

Not all comps are the same, regardless of what some shmoe tries to BS you with.

You don't have to KILL dynamics to use a compressor. (that's what limiters are for )

YMMV.

Seriously, if you gain stage correctly it's not a deal. If you have a couple of issues, you can comp. If you want to sound like everyone else (and cash is your goal) then develope a brick wall rectangle of your mixes that looks like this:

[camsr]

If it "adds swing" then I guess it's okay, I am more interested in compressors that tighten up the sound but in a relaxing way.

seems to me like a contradiction in terms, isnt it?

Is it?

[kvaca]

If it "adds swing" then I guess it's okay, I am more interested in compressors that tighten up the sound but in a relaxing way.

seems to me like a contradiction in terms, isnt it?

Is it?

almost...
I usually prefer saturator for tightening up the sound...and it is easier to set up than any compressor, so I can do it in very relaxing way

[camsr]

When trying to build one it's hardly as relaxing!
Bitch and moan bitch and moan

[RockinMillie]

Limiters ARE NOT "compressors"

Not strictly true
Although the usage and goal of both are different, they process the signal in a similar manner.
Limiters are a type of compressor and yes, not all compressors can be used as limiters.

Simply put, the difference between a compressor and a limiter is only in the compression ratio and attack time used.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun07/a ... 0607_5.htm

[e@rs]

I like 'em when they suck...

[pixel85]

Properly used compressor on sound that DEMAND compression gonna give good result but problem is, compressor is not suitable for EVERY sound.
Today people think that every track must be threaten by compressor, then another on buses and another on master channel (or 2 or 3).

The place where compressors suck most of the time is symphonic/orchestra/classical music where compressor simply undo work done by musicians.