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The compressed signal will sound louder but should be using the same amount of headroom. Ideally, the makeup gain should match the gain reduction so that when the effect is bypassed the maximum signal level stays the same. Because compression is by definition a “reduction” in level, the makeup gain helps you compensate and bring the track back up to its intended volume as you work. Makeup is a handy gain control that lets you bring up the overall level of the compressed signal. For more on this, check out Compression Vs Limiting: What’s The Difference? Makeup So a setting of 2:1 means that a signal that is two decibels over the threshold will be reduced by one decibel, and a signal that is eight decibels over will be reduced by four.Ī compressor with a high ratio is also known as a limiter as signals crossing the threshold are strictly reduced, effectively making the threshold the volume “limit”. The ratio is expressed as a proportion of the input level to the output level. You can think of the ratio as setting the “strictness” of the compressor. A high ratio understandably means more compression. The ratio is the amount by which the level will be reduced when your input signal exceeds the threshold. Tip: A lot of producers will recommend using two compressors in a chain, one with a high threshold to capture the peaks, then another with a lower threshold to add overall level consistency, sustain, or body to the audio layer. If you want a more affected and thick sound, you might want to set it low so that the compressor works much harder. If you want some gentle automated reduction on the peaks of your audio track, a high threshold is advisable. There’s no single setting here that will work best, it all depends on what sort of compression you are after. Turn the threshold up, and the compressor will do less work, only reacting and reducing the level of your track when the signal gets loud. The compressor will be triggered to reduce the audio signal any time the input goes over the threshold. Turn down the threshold, and you’ll see the needle pop more often (this is the gain reduction). Threshold is simply the level at which the compressor will start to react to your audio track. This means you might encounter new controls or discover something new about controls you are already familiar with. You’re probably familiar with the standard controls of a compressor by now, but Logic’s Compressor plugin is really quite a rich suite of compression tools.
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Let’s get our heads around the basic controls of the Logic Pro X Compressor. This is particularly true when dealing with plugins that are modeled on vintage hardware as often the coloration they add to the signal is more desirable than the compression itself. A compressor can be used to even out the level of an individual track, or it can add bite, color, crunch, or creative effects to otherwise simple instruments. There are many uses for audio compression and other dynamics processors. (Note that this is a mono track.) What Is Compression For?
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If you’re not sure where to find Compressor, choose an audio or instrument track, add a plugin, and look under the “Dynamics” sub-menu. We’ll take you through the different compressor models packed into this one plugin, and even give you a little creative advice on what to do with each model. If you want to master compression with just the stock plugins, we’ve got you covered. While our DAW’s stock tools are great for mixing, they are often designed to be “transparent”, so won’t add any extra sonic mojo.Ī lot of users don’t realize the good news: Logic Pro X has already included beautiful-sounding models of famous analog compressors for you to play with! These can be expensive ( but don’t have to be, check out out favorite free compressor plugins here), especially if you’re looking at top-of-the-line hardware modeled compressor plugins with extra warmth and color. Often, we producers are encouraged to resort to third-party VST compressor plugins.
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Simply named “Compressor”, the stock compressor in Logic Pro X is a standard AU plugin that is included when you purchase Logic Pro X. Image: What Is Logic’s Stock Compressor? Make bold sounds without expensive third-party plugins.
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Familiarize yourself with each of Logic’s compressor models.7 different compressors in one, but are they any good?.Disclosure: We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases.
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