Music & Audio Advice Compression and Dynamic Range 2

Question 1

What does a compressor's attack time control?

Accepted Answer

How fast it reduces gain after the signal crosses the threshold

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

1 dB

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The compressor can 'pump' or breathe as gain recovers quickly

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

How gradually compression engages around the threshold

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Restore perceived loudness lost to gain reduction

Answer

Makeup gain compensates for the level drop caused by compressing the loud peaks.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test