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I'm pretty noob and i just recently read this article http://www.ethanwiner.com/compressors.html.

Why should we compress/limit when we can just use the fader and automate it? I know people use compression for alot of stuff but isn't it just the same as turning down the volume of a track/sample?


Enlighten me please

compression has a few uses but basically compression is when the volume gets turned down after the signal goes over a certain level so normally it is used for samples/synths that change alot in volume to make it all the same volume which brings it out in the mix and takes all the dynamics out
limiting is similar to compression, it stops the volume going over a certain level making the distance between the loudest and quiestest point smaller

You could automate the volume fader I guess... But that'd have to be reaaaally precise and tedious work. Would take you hours upon hours to get the same results as you get with compression...

Compression reduces peak transients, shortening to dynamic range, making the harmonic content with the lowest dynamic range closer to that with the highest, and shaping transients using a/d envelopes along the way... Can be used to create interesting interactions between elements, not really about volume control, about dynamic control.

Volume automation wont effect dynamic range, it wont shape transients... It wont create interaction between elements...

If you have to ask this question, you need to do more reading on compression and dynamic range, and until you fully understand them, dont meddle with them.

Basic A wrote:Compression reduces peak transients, shortening to dynamic range, making the harmonic content with the lowest dynamic range closer to that with the highest, and shaping transients using a/d envelopes along the way... Can be used to create interesting interactions between elements, not really about volume control, about dynamic control.

Volume automation wont effect dynamic range, it wont shape transients... It wont create interaction between elements...

If you have to ask this question, you need to do more reading on compression and dynamic range, and until you fully understand them, dont meddle with them.

Just to clarify, you can do all those things with volume automation.. Would be a hell of a job though. I wouldn't advice doing so.
Read up on compression etc OP, you have the basic idea understood I think but you have to realise that it would be practically impossible to achieve the same results as compression with volume automation.
It IS possible but you'd have to calculate everything yourself, automate to the 0.1 ms accurate etc etc... "practically" impossible.

As if by magic

http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=239986

Read em all!

KoenDercksen wrote:

Basic A wrote:Compression reduces peak transients, shortening to dynamic range, making the harmonic content with the lowest dynamic range closer to that with the highest, and shaping transients using a/d envelopes along the way... Can be used to create interesting interactions between elements, not really about volume control, about dynamic control.

Volume automation wont effect dynamic range, it wont shape transients... It wont create interaction between elements...

If you have to ask this question, you need to do more reading on compression and dynamic range, and until you fully understand them, dont meddle with them.

Just to clarify, you can do all those things with volume automation..

No.

You will not decrease he dynamic range between your fundamental and its harmonics using a volume fader. that. makes. no. sense.

Lfo tool was created with this question in mind joel and steve apparently got sick of the compressors in ableton they wanted a linear and precise control on volume and stuff tht. Compressor just couldnt do as cleanly.

Compression - It contains sounds (contain as in keeping inside a region). Those that go over the threshold are lowered, while those that are quiet get raised. Transients affected.

Limiters - A compressor that prevents any sounds that exceeds the threshold go over it. It also helps prevent sounds to go over the 0db digital clipping limit. Transients also affected.

Faders - Adjusts the volume.

So even if you ride the faders perfectly, the transients would be shuffled. Also, if you just ride the faders without compressing, when a dense section of a song comes and you lower the faders, again it won't sound right.

killkisaragi wrote:Compression - It contains sounds (contain as in keeping inside a region). Those that go over the threshold are lowered, while those that are quiet get raised. Transients affected.

I wouldn't say that the sound below the threshold gets raised, it's stays the same level. The difference in dynamics is just smaller due to compressing the sound above the threshold. With the output gain you raise the level of the whole thing.

compress for tone; automate for control.

Actually, a compressor IS an automatic fader rider! You CAN do what a compressor does by riding faders. However, it's an insane amount of work. Workflow is everything.

Basic A wrote:
No.

You will not decrease the dynamic range between your fundamental and its harmonics using a volume fader. that. makes. no. sense.

Doesn't make any sense if I put it this way, but that is essentially what a compressor does; riding your volume fader for you.