compressors

[n.cube]

i know this is a very broad question, but when do you use a compressor? which instruments? and do you compress the whole mix?

 

[KelevraOne]

Truthfully it depends. Sometimes you need to compress sometimes you don't. Some always use it on drums some never use it on drums. it depends on song, genre and style. Sorry but there is no blanket answer.

 

[n.cube]

can you give me and example of when you need to compress?

 

[KelevraOne]

An example is vocals. Sometimes the artist may have laid down a good take but it's a little wide in volume. Some parts a little too quiet some a little too loud. You would compress them to get them a little bit more even so that the quieter parts are a little more audible.

 

[The Comeback Kid]

If something is sticking out like a sore thumb in a mix, it usually needs to be compressed.