Unraveling compression types: slow compression
Compression is a bit of a lifelong topic, and one of the more complex topics to both understand and teach.
With this three-episode miniseries, I'll explain why not all compressors and compression types are equal: they have very different uses.
I'll show a few different compressors I've used a lot in my work and obviously let you hear what they are doing, and why and how I am using them.
In this first episode, I am letting you hear how I was able to help a master that had a bit of a disconnect between its kick and the rest of the song.
Plus a compressor tip from the engineer for Jamiroquai and Daft Punk never hurts.
There's now also an episode on drums compression HERE.
Taking a quick look at and listen to what's easily my most-used vocal compressor, which allows you to squeeze a vocal a lot when needed, with very transparent results. You will hear why I love and trust this little badboy.
Also, I want to say a few words about the so common "mixing into a compressor" technique. This may not be beautiful to hear – don't get offended if this hurts, but as a pro engineer, I stand by this ;-)
BTW Let's go thru some breakbeats soon…new Breakbeat of The Month is way overdue!
The tools used are these, and here's a few words about where they absolutely shine:
UAD Shadow Hills
A two-stage compressor (VCA and Optical). I am actually using the VCA side here, at its slowest attack. Its optical side is actually even slower, but not using it here.
UAD Manley Vari-Mu
A great slow compressor for gentle squeezing of song levels: e.g., if you have a chorus that seems to get too loud, this guy is your best friend for evening things out.
I saw Mick Guzauski (engineer for Jamiroquai, Daft Punk etc) use it and been using it ever since if I feel I need to squeeze that 2% more density out of a master.
UAD LA-3a
The best slow vocal compressor: you can hit it hard and you can't hear it. Bonus (as with most UAD plugins) is if you run the signal hot into it, you'll get nice extra coloration (can work super well in rap vocals for example)
I'd also recommend UAD LA-2a for vocal compression: absolutely great. Sometimes I've used LA3a and LA2a in a chain: extra, extra smooth!
Comments (6)
Great job.. Part 2 ???
it will come! lots on my to-do list :)
So using a compressor is the plan B, right? Leveling and EQing first? So you use it only because u cannot access the audio and so repair the whole stem.
Yes, you could say that: as heard here, compression _can_ tighten the overall mix. If the mix is tight (that's what I always aim for myself, as a mix engineer), it's not needed, imho. On my mixes, which I master, master is boringly simple: EQ, maybe half a hair or resonance tool, some stereo touch (EQ), sometimes super minor exciter (most of the time not), and master limiters.
Been waiting for this one! Thanks for using my tune, was wanting to see your magic.
You rock dude!