The Missing Concept To Finally Understand Compression

The main challenge with really understanding compression is that a compressor can do many different things, and some of them actually sound very different from the others.

One person can say “wow this snare is super compressed” and another say “hey the vocals are super compressed”, and they could be referring to two completely different ways to use compression, that actually sound very different.

We will present the “ABC+ Concept” early in the class, which cuts through all the complexity, explains compression in simple terms, and will help you finally understand compression once and for all.

From Core Skills To Advanced Mastery

No matter where you are in your journey with compression, here you will find everything you need to finally master it.

From learning what the main parameters in a compressor really are and how they work (including debunking some misconceptions about attack and release), to exploring the usual compressor topologies and what they actually mean in practical use, or how to quickly find the speed, uses, and sweet spot on any compressor by ear.

And that is just the beginning. You will also find 28 in-depth lessons on how to compress the most common instruments, packed with dozens of audio examples, step-by-step practice exercises with audio file downloads, and also interactive ear training exercises to sharpen your listening skills.

We leave no knob unturned, more details below!

Learn The Speed & Uses Of Any Compressor BY EAR

Have you ever heard someone say “this compressor is very fast/slow” and didn’t understand what they meant?

We will not only explain and thoroughly explore the concept, you will learn how to find BY EAR the speed and uses of any compressor out there.

Next time you see a new compressor, you will be able to put it through its paces in seconds, to find its sweet spot(s) and what it can bring to your sonic palette, giving you more control, creativity, and confidence in your recording and mixing.

Not to mention you will also be able to get the most out of the compressors already in your arsenal!

Hear The Most Iconic Compressors In Action

Another part of why compression is difficult to understand is that many compressors have a very distinctive sound, and this adds to the sound and complexity of compression.

During the class you will hear in action the best emulations of some of the most coveted compressors in the world, including models like the Fairchild 670, Teletronix LA-2A & LA-3A, SSL Bus Compressor, Manley Vary-Mu, Empirical Labs Distressor, Universal Audio 1176, dbx160, API 2500, Townhouse, Summit Audio TLA-100A, and also some hidden gems like Massey’s CT5, and Kazrog’s Presto 41A, ITA LA 1B, and Collins 26W, to name just a few.

We will explore how to use them, what they are good at, what makes them special, and what their characteristic sound is.

Learn more about the compressors in the master class.

Learn How to Compress ANY Instrument

In the module Hearing Compression In Action we will thoroughly explore (28 lessons!) how to use compression on many different instruments, including vocals, drums (kick, snare, toms, overheads, ambiance mics…), bass, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, and brass.

We will see the different ways compression can be used to elevate each performance, not only by controlling dynamics, but also how some compressors can infuse the performance with intangible qualities like energy, attitude, or intimacy, to name just a few.

This exhaustive exploration will reveal a common pattern, and by the end of the module we will present a method that allows you to use compression on any instrument, whether you have heard it before or not.

Dozens of Detailed Audio Examples

All those lessons include carefully prepared audio examples that highlight each topic or detail discussed, sometimes totaling dozens in a single lesson.

And the best part? You can download the exact same original audio files used in the class, so you can practice on your own (see below).

Download All The Audio Files Used In The Class

You can download all the original audio files used in the class, so you can practice on your own in your favorite DAW.

These are real-world recordings made in professional studios, the same material used to demonstrate every example.

You will be able to explore the tracks at your own pace, try different settings, and sharpen your skills with good quality material.

It is the closest thing to having a professional engineer guiding you in your own studio.

Processing in Series, Parallel, & Hybrid Parallel

Throughout the class we will be using processing both in series and parallel, so you will learn the benefits of each type of processing, how to implement each setup, different ways of using parallel in a DAW, and why automatic delay compensation is essential in order to use parallel processing in the box.

We will also discuss why a wet/dry knob is not exactly the same as processing in parallel, why the difference matters, and in which cases it is actually the best option to choose.

By the end of the class, you will know exactly how and when to use each type of processing, giving you more creative control, flexibility, and precision in every scenario.

Multing, Gating, Clip Gain, & Other Techniques

Sometimes the only way to squeeze the most out of a compressor and a performance is by combining compression with other processors and techniques.

In the class we will see how gating and compressing drums often work hand in hand, and you will learn how to properly gate the kick and snare, including how to manage those tricky ghost notes on the snare.

We will also explore how and why multing a performance dramatically increases the options and flexibility for using compression and other processing, when it is wise to use it (and when not), and how to tailor compression for each case.

Also, clip gain and automation are nowadays widely used alongside compression to bring out the best in a performance, and we will explore how to use these tools effectively as well.

You will learn how to combine all these techniques to make every track sound tighter, more controlled, and more musical.

70+ Ear Training Exercises

The whole class is designed to help you finally learn to hear compression with clarity and confidence. You will understand what you are doing and why you are doing it, and you will hear the results immediately in your work.

Along with all the lessons, audio examples, and practice exercises, you will find more than 70 ear training exercises created to sharpen your listening skills in a way that most engineers never get to experience.

Practice these exercises and in a few weeks you will be amazed at how quickly your ears improve. You will start noticing details and nuances that used to feel invisible, and your decisions in the studio will become faster and more deliberate.

From learning to tell apart different degrees of compression, to the different types of compression & speeds, and even small differences in amplitude, these exercises alone are worth the entire price of the class. They will keep paying off every time you sit down to mix.

Your Turn: Follow Along Practices

The best way to learn something is by doing it yourself.

Throughout the class you will find Your Turn sections with detailed step by step guided exercises to recreate the techniques demonstrated in the videos.

By actively practicing all the techniques you will not only learn how they work, but also start developing your own sound and style right away.

Want A Sneak Peak?

You can watch some lessons for free (click on the MODULES tab atop), or even better, get access now to the entire course totally risk free:

We offer a 7 day 100% money back guarantee in all our classes.

If during those seven days, by any chance, you discover the content is not right for you, just let us know and we will offer a full refund, no questions asked.