Question about compression--->Ratio

[Bake]

What is the ratio exactly.

For example a ratio 3:1

what's the 3,
what's the 1?

[3*s]

For every 3 dB of volume over the threshold, it outputs 1 db. For every 6, it outputs 2, etc etc... Do a search on google, theres lots of beginner friendly articles out there.

[shamann]

Here's the clearest description:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/ ... mpression/

[jasonsantiago]

wow, a lot of good explanations there under the effects section!