Music & Audio Advice Compression and Dynamic Range 3

Question 1

What does a sidechain input on a compressor allow you to do?

Accepted Answer

Trigger compression from a different signal than the one being compressed

Answer

A sidechain lets an external signal control the gain reduction, as in ducking music under a voiceover.

Question 2

What is a limiter essentially?

Accepted Answer

A compressor with a very high ratio that prevents peaks from exceeding a ceiling

Answer

A limiter uses an extreme ratio (often 10:1 or higher) to stop signal from passing a set ceiling.

Question 3

Why might you use parallel compression?

Accepted Answer

To blend a heavily compressed copy with the dry signal for density without losing transients

Answer

Parallel (New York) compression mixes a squashed duplicate under the original to add body while keeping dynamics.

Question 4

What problem does over-compression most commonly cause?

Accepted Answer

A lifeless, flat sound with reduced punch and dynamics

Answer

Squashing too much removes the natural loud-soft contrast, leaving the audio dull and fatiguing.

Question 5

A de-esser is a specialized compressor that targets what?

Accepted Answer

Harsh sibilant 'S' frequencies in vocals

Answer

A de-esser is a frequency-selective compressor that tames sibilance around 5-8 kHz.

Music & Audio Advice Practice Test