← All Courses

How to Use Compression

Course Intro (What Will You Be Learning?)

What is Compression? Why Do We Need Compression? (The Four Goals) What is Dynamic Range? (Peaks & Valleys of Sound) What Does Compression Sound Like? Why Can't I Hear Compression? Wrapping Up

Anatomy of a Compressor: Overview Threshold and Ratio Attack and Release Makeup Gain Sidechain (BONUS) Knee, Range, Hold, and Lookahead Anatomy of a Compressor: Putting it All Together Anatomy of a Compressor: Wrap Up

The Main Styles of Compression How to Set Up Your Compressor How to Make an Instrument "Consistent" How to Make an Instrument "Thick" How to Make an Instrument "Punchy" How to Make an Instrument "Groove"

How to Create "Depth" How to Create "Headroom" How to Turn Down "Room Sound" Using Styles to Achieve the 4 Goals of Compression What Does Over-Compression Sound Like? Put It All Together:How to Compress ANY Instrument Styles of Compression: Wrap Up

How Fast are Peaks? How to Use Serial Compression How to Use Parallel Compression How to Use Sidechain Compression The Philosophy Behind a Good Dynamic Balance How to Know If Your Compressor is Helping (A/B) Should I Compress My Synths, Samples, and VIs? Essential Tips and Tricks: Wrap Up Getting to Pro

How to Compress an ENTIRE Mix (Overview) Phase 1: Pre-Mix Phase 2: Mix Bus Phase 3: Balance Phase 4: Glue Phase 5: Enhance Phase 6: Fix BONUS PHASE: Limiting Your Mix (Mastering) BONUS PHASE: Analog-ing Your Mix (Tape Saturation)

Where Should I Put Compression in my Plugin Chain? How Do I Compress The Low End? Why Is Compression Making My Stuff Sound Worse? How Do I Compress Different Genres? What are the Common Analog Compressors?

The Peak & Valley Technique for Professional Mixes Next Steps

What Does Compression Sound Like?

Unlock your true creative potential

The Reverse Engineer is our degree-alternative audio school that will give you pro-level skillsets in mastering, mixing, and production. It includes our most comprehensive curriculum & extensive lifetime mentorship (start for as low as $244/m).

Learn More