Secrets of Creative Compression
Studio wiz Thomas Cochran brings you in-depth compression video tutorials! Once you know what a compressor is and how it works, it's time to go deeper and learn how this vital processing tool can transform your tracks into fine, polished works of art, or ooze with vibe and character. To help you on your creative compression learning journey, this tutorial series includes the audio files used in the videos so you can follow along on your system. These videos are for those who already know what a compressor is and how it works. If you don't, no worries! Check out Compression Explained® here, then come back here for some creative techniques.
Videos
• 1176 as a Distortion Effect on Bass (06:05) - This video shows how heavy compression can be used as a distortion effect on a bass guitar, giving you not only a nice distorted sound, but a natural compression.
• Tape as a Compressor (06:58) - While normally we would reach for a compressor effect when we want dynamic control, tape has the ability to naturally compress and add harmonics to audio. This video shows how to use tape compression to get a more natural and harmonically rich sound.
• Vocal Parallel Compression (06:42) - Learn how to use multiple parallel compressors on a vocal for a tight compression sound, something that is found quite commonly in pop and rap music.
• 1176 & LA-2A On Vocals (05:43) - Watch how this classic compressor combination is used on vocals for dynamic and smooth compression.
• Compressing Reverb & Delays (06:16) - See how compression on reverb and delays can be used to add additional ambience to your sounds. This helps wrap the effects around the vocal, giving you a clearer sound.
• Adding Snap to Drums (06:36) - Learn a unique way to add snap to drums by controlling and enhancing them with a multiband compressor. This not only levels the bass frequencies but uses creative side-chain upward compression to add high frequency punch to your sounds.
• Parallel Distortion On Drums (08:27) - Explore how distortion and bite can be added to a drum buss by using multiple types of extreme parallel compression. This video goes beyond the simple NY style compression and shows you how to add punch while still retaining the original character of the drums.
• Compressing On The Way In (04:06) - Watch how to setup up compressors when tracking and how this can benefit your performances and recordings.
• Stacking Compressors for Transparency (06:22) - When transparent but extreme compression is needed, stacking multiple compressors in a signal chain can allow for a more natural sounding compression.
• OTT Compression (05:11) - Learn when to use this style of compression and how it can benefit your synth sounds when making electronic music.