Music & Audio Advice Compression and Dynamic Range 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a compressor's attack time control?
- How fast it reduces gain after the signal crosses the threshold (Correct answer)
- How loud the output gets
- How long the release lasts
- The frequency range affected
Correct answer: How fast it reduces gain after the signal crosses the threshold
Attack time sets how quickly the compressor clamps down once the signal exceeds the threshold.
Question 2: A ratio of 4:1 means that for every 4 dB above the threshold, the output increases by how much?
- 1 dB (Correct answer)
- 4 dB
- 8 dB
- 0 dB
Correct answer: 1 dB
A 4:1 ratio passes only 1 dB of output for every 4 dB of input over the threshold.
Question 3: What is the practical effect of a fast release time on a sustained vocal?
- The compressor can 'pump' or breathe as gain recovers quickly (Correct answer)
- It removes all sibilance
- It raises the threshold automatically
- It converts the signal to mono
Correct answer: The compressor can 'pump' or breathe as gain recovers quickly
A very fast release lets gain spring back quickly, which can cause audible pumping.
Question 4: What does the 'knee' setting on a compressor determine?
- How gradually compression engages around the threshold (Correct answer)
- The maximum output ceiling
- The sidechain frequency
- The wet/dry mix
Correct answer: How gradually compression engages around the threshold
A soft knee eases compression in gradually, while a hard knee applies it abruptly at the threshold.
Question 5: Makeup gain on a compressor is used to do what?
- Restore perceived loudness lost to gain reduction (Correct answer)
- Increase the compression ratio
- Shorten the attack
- Add high-frequency content
Correct answer: Restore perceived loudness lost to gain reduction
Makeup gain compensates for the level drop caused by compressing the loud peaks.
Question 6: Which compressor type is generally prized for fast, transparent peak control?
- FET compressor (Correct answer)
- Opto compressor
- Tape echo
- Spring reverb
Correct answer: FET compressor
FET compressors react very quickly, making them good for transient and peak control.
Question 7: What is dynamic range in an audio signal?
- The difference between the quietest and loudest parts (Correct answer)
- The total length of the track
- The stereo width
- The number of frequencies present
Correct answer: The difference between the quietest and loudest parts
Dynamic range measures the span between the softest and loudest levels in a signal.
Music & Audio Advice Compression and Dynamic Range 2
What does a compressor's attack time control?