Mix Note 065 / Compression New
Use hold to stop gate chatter
A gate rapidly opens and closes around a decaying hit.
The move
Add enough hold to keep it open through the useful sound, then set a smooth release.
Do this- Loop a decaying hit that flickers.
- Add hold through the useful sustain.
- Set a smooth release into silence.
Listen for this.
Check the quietest intentional hits as well as the loud ones.
Know when to back off.
Excessive hold lets bleed back into every gap.
Match loudness when you compare. If the original serves the song better, undo the change.
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Keep working.
066 / CompressionPeak and RMS tell different storiesA compressor may chase brief spikes when you want steady phrase control.067 / CompressionLookahead costs timeA limiter can miss fast peaks unless it can react before they arrive.068 / CompressionAutomation belongs after compression tooPre-compression rides help the detector, but the final vocal still needs emphasis.
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