Say we had a downward compressor with a ratio of 3:1 and a threshold set at 0 dB. You can't set up the compressor without listening to everything else going on, but if you would like some ball‑park figures, ratio could be anything between 2:1 and 5:1, depending on how compressed you want it to sound and what 'knee' characteristic the compressor has. In a standard compressor (which is downward), a ratio of x:1 attenuates signal to a level of 1 dB above the threshold for every x dB it crosses. Now, I have found that a good ratio for vocals is 3:1. For example: A compressor with a threshold at -10dB and a 3:1 ratio is a nice starting point for vocals. The attack setting on a compressor decides how much time it takes for the compressor to compress at full force. For every signal that goes over the threshold, it gets compressed according to a certain ratio. To understand this, let’s look at an example. How much compression occurs is controlled by the ratio. The compression settings then depend on the effect you're trying to achieve and what else is going on in the mix. The low ratio compression is much more natural and transparent. In fact, with lower ratios, you often can’t hear the compressor working at all. Attack & Release. If you have a semi-constant level of the vocal at -1dB it will become compressed so that it only reaches … Rap vocals come out best if you use a fast attack and release on your compressor. Often misunderstood, compression ratio simply specifies the amount of attenuation to be applied to the signal. Compression Ratio. Just like the original, you can push in all buttons for “Nuke” mode for explosive results — perfect for hard rock vocals. If you go lower than that, you may not get the compression needed. Take a listen to the difference between high and low ratio compression on a drum kit: Low ratio (1.5:1) High ratio (10:1) Notice how much more aggressive the high ratio compression sounds. Four ratios are selectable via push-buttons (4:1 and 8:1 for compression, 12:1 and 20:1 for limiting). Threshold depends on your levels, but I usually keep the ratio pretty high (6:1, 8:1) depending on if all the vocals are sent to a stereo bus "later" on. If you go higher, the vocal will most likely end up sounding smashed. You will find a wide range of ratios available depending on the type and manufacturer of the compressor you are using. If you don’t have a pre amp that allows you to set the compressor, you can always get an external compressor (highly recommended) or not use one at all. I usually set the compressor on my preamp to a ratio of 2:1, with a threshold of – 20, a release of 0.3 and a makeup gain of 2. , compression ratio simply specifies the amount of attenuation to be applied to the signal we had a downward with! The attack setting on a compressor with a threshold at -10dB and a ratio! 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