
Introduction to the course and goals.
What's the difference between audio and sound. How audio is produced?
Understand the difference between signal dynamics and dynamic range.
It's not the same audio compression than data compression, learn why.
A very important unit in the audio world (dB) is explained here.
How can we use dB's to describe dynamic range.
Attack, decay, sustain and release, how are these related?
The internal stages of a compressor.
There are many types of compressors depending on their internal circuits, let's learn that!
The first stage in a compressor.
The compression ratio and its function.
How we can shape our signal's envelope.
We are not in anatomy class, but the compressors have a "knee"!
Understanding this very important type of compressor.
How to compress a typical kick drum.
The way to compress a snare drum.
One technique for electric bass compression.
A second technique for the bass.
Acoustic guitars really can take advantage of compressors, learn how!
What about electric guitars? they can use the compressor as sustain but...
How to compress a piano.
Voice is very dynamic and different, but we can learn how to work with it in a general way.
Content to practice compression with other acoustic instruments.
The compressor is a great tool when used in the master bus or sub-group, here it is the technique explained.
You will learn about some classic models of compressors and their applications.
All other techniques were serial processes, but we have another great option!
We will learn how to connect a hardware compressor.
We'll see how side-chain works on a compressor.
A practical example using side-chain to get the ducking effect
Final comments.
Resources to learn more about music production and engineering.
Learn to use audio compressors in a complete, effective and clear way! Audio compressors are one of the most important tools for the producer, engineer or modern musician. Unfortunately, compressors are not too obvious to understand and its function is somewhat mysterious for many people. Even some professionals don't know how to use them in the right way!
Compressors and limiters can improve the sound of a production by giving more "punch" or impact to the sound. It's one of those little tools that can make a song sound like a polished professional production or, when misused, like an amateur work.
With this course, you can master the principles of audio compression and have total confidence when using compressors! You will learn:
What an audio signal is and how it behaves
What the decibels (dB) are
What does dynamic range mean and how to manipulate it
How to use each knob in a compressor
Ratio, gain reduction, attack, release, knee, etc.
Serial and parallel compression
How all this can improve the audio quality of vocals, guitars, drums and more!
A complete approach to audio compressors!
There are many tutorials out there, but they don't offer you a complete and well-structured learning path like this course. You could spend hours looking for tips and answers on the web and end up with more questions or doubts. With this course, you can get the knowledge you need to finally understand audio compressors in a practical way.
Learn quickly, effectively and on a step-by-step process. You can study a couple of lessons in 15 minutes a day!
Course Overview
First, you will learn the basics to understand audio signals. With listening examples and images you will see the importance of compressors in sound production or mixing. Then you will learn how compressors work from the inside, that is, you'll know the internal "blocks" that every compressor has, and how these sections are related to the knobs and buttons (in other words, what are those knobs for!).
Then you will see the techniques in action, learning how a compressor is manipulated and, most important, how it helps you to control and improve your sound!
You will learn techniques for:
Vocals
Guitars
Drums
Bass
Piano
The side-chain technique
Hardware insert connections
Master bus compression
With this knowledge, you will be able to apply compression to any kind of instrument with any kind of compressor! These techniques and principles work for studio work and in live sound situations. Professional productions use compressors a lot, now it's your time!
Take the freedom to shape your own sound. Do not rely on plugin presets, take control yourself!
Who should take this course?
The course is great for musicians, producers, DJ's, sound technicians and engineers of all levels, from beginners with little experience to professionals looking to get some new ideas. These techniques can be applied to any musical genre (pop, rock, EDM, hip-hop, etc.) and work with both analog and digital compressors.
You only need a hardware compressor or DAW (Pro Tools, Logic, Reason, Cubase, Garageband, etc.) to start learning by doing.
You will be guided by a certified audio instructor, with more than 20 years of teaching experience at all levels, from seminars to college-level classes and a top instructor on Udemy, so academic quality is guaranteed. Join a community of more than 20,000 students worldwide and learn more about audio!
*A Spanish version of this course is also available.