Compression Tutorials

Compressors are specialized amplifiers designed to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal. In other words, they reduce the amount of difference between the quietest and loudest parts of a sound. This is useful is a number of situations, and compression is often used in music production.

For example, compression is used to "even out" the volume level of a bass recording in order to increase its consistency. Sometimes, the volume of one audio signal is used to control the levels of a different signal. This is known as side chain compression.

SonicTransfer teaches both simplified and advanced compression techniques using hands-on tutorials.

Compression articles and tutorials are listed below.

Better Compression Using an Oscilloscope

Compression, Mixing, Side Chain Compression, House, Tutorial, Oscilloscope. In the old days, mixing engineers would study the volume meters as they danced along the console. By playing back well-mixed songs, these early pioneers learned how to read proper song dynamics. This skill is invaluable when trying to understand and utilize compression. This article discusses a modern approach to developing the same talent cultivated in the old masters: the ability to create pleasing dynamic compression. For this tutorial you will need:

A VST Host (Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase, Digidesign Protools, etc.)
S(m)execope VST/AU Oscilloscope. Download S(m)execope for Windows / Mac OS X.

Free Side Chain Compression for Mac

Finally, free sidechain compression for Mac OSX producers is now available! Get that house music pumping sound using Teragon Audio’s DualComp VST Compressor.

UPDATE: The SSS Side Chain Compressor is now available for Mac OS X. You should definitely check it out, because there have been complaints about the DualComp’s sound quality. Click here to download the SSS Side Chain Compressor.

Read a DualComp Compressor Tutorial.

Learn how to Install the DualComp Compressor on a Mac

You can download the DualComp Compressor using the links below.

Download DualComp Compressor for Mac OSX

Download DualComp Compressor for Windows

Free VST/AU Oscilloscope

VST, Plugin, Free, Mixing, Oscilloscope.A good oscilloscope is useful in many contexts: synthesizer programming, understanding phase cancellation, compression, etc. Lucky for you, there is a fantastic free digital storage oscilloscope from Bram at SmartElectronix. This plug-in can be dropped anywhere in your DAW’s signal path for quick and easy analysis. You can use this tool to fix all kinds of dynamics-related issues.

Download the S(m)exoscope VST / AU plugin for Windows & Mac OS X.

How To Use Side Chain Compression

Sidechain Compression Tutorial, Sidechaining, SSS Side Chain Compressor. The whole french house scene is practically defined by a signature sound. While the music itself is very different, every track seems to have this really loud sound. Some DJ’s call it a “push, pull”, “breathing”, or “suction” sound. It isn’t just artistry that creates this signature sound, it’s a lot of studio magic. That magic has a name: Sidechaining. After reading this SonicTransfer.com tutorial, you’ll know exactly how to do it.

To follow this lesson you will need:

A VST Host (e.g. Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc.)
SSS Side Chain Compressor - Free VST Compressor (now for Windows and OS X). Click here to get the SSS Side Chain Compressor.

SSS Side Chain Compressor - Free VST for Windows & OS X

SSS Side Chain Compressor Screenshot There are very few free compressors that support sidechaining. The SSS Side Chain Compressor makes it extremely easy to get the ducking sound made famous by french house producers like Daft Punk. Click the link below to download the SSS Side Chain Compressor.

SSS Side Chain Compressor - Free Windows VST

NEW OS X Version! SSS Side Chain Compressor - Free Mac OS X VST & AU (The download link is in middle of the page).

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