Operating Principles of a Compresso

Operating Principles of a CompressorThe basic operating principles of a compressor/limiter can be easilyexplained. The level of an audio signal is reduced according to the specifiedAttack Time and Ratio whenever it exceeds a given threshold. Thisreduction ceases when the Release time elapses, while the compressedsignal is amplified with the Make-Up Gain.Compressors basically differ from each other in the technology used.This technology - tubes, opto, FET, or VCA - is what gives a compressorits particular character. Some units sound soft and silky, some soundpounding, while some others make sound fatter, and there are those thatmake sound clearer, harder or more percussive. The trick resides in howthe unit is technically designed, in the signature of the maker. Differentcompressors with the exact same settings might work and soundcompletely different. They provide different sounds for different applications and music styles.