What is a compressor?

[Alex R-W]

I've read about them and seen them but what are they for and what do they do?

[Audio~Geek]

I wrote a rather lengthy article on compression on my site.
Audio Geek Zine Blog Archive Audio Effects Explained Series: Part 6 - Compressors And De-Essers

This is just scratching the surface though, you have to start using them to understand fully. Actually I find this is something that I keep relearning and discovering more about.

[Ross111]

Along with the website above, this video explains it very well and makes it easier to understand the terms.

YouTube - Tip #12 - General Mixing Techniques - Using compression

I've learned a lot from his videos.

[Alex R-W]

So a compressor is machine that automaticly turns the in coming signal up and down to keep it at the same volume all of the time?

[Audio~Geek]

A standard compressor only turns sounds down when they exceed the level you set (threshold).
You use the make up gain to bring the output level back up to the same as the input level.

It reduces dynamic range. The difference between the loudest and softest level.

It turns down the loudest parts down closer to the level of the softer parts.

[Alex R-W]

Hey thanks, ive been wondering for awile, this helped alot. I wasn't sure how well this website would help me out but i was happy and I'm sure that I'll be back soon.