Using a Compressor During Home Music Mixing

Any DJ will say that a compressor is his or her key to success as a musician. Synth sample packs work to make music livelier, dynamic, and exciting. Imagine walking into the hottest nightclub in town and hearing the beats all night long. The DJ at this nightclub is likely using a compressor to make pop music sound just a bit different. A compressor works to change an instrument's level and the vocals in a song.

Using a compressor for the purpose of gain riding is common. Gain riding is a technique that involves setting the levels of particular sounds in a song or mix. One problem many home DJ's face is avoiding an image shift in the sound stage. If the right and left channels are not compressed the same, an image shift will be created. The compressor will not work effectively if there is an image shift in the sound stage.

A compressor should not be used to process everything in a song. One is not trying to achieve a full-on effect with a compressor but rather the processing of specific parts of a song. Compressing everything within a song will make the song sound flat and boring. A compressor works best when it is used on sounds that are not constant in level. Unique sounds like a bass, vocals, guitar, or drums are examples of sounds that can and should be used with a compressor.

The ducking effect is a popular effect achieved by DJ's with a compressor. When a DJ begins talking on the radio, then the ducking effect occurs as the music drops. This effect is used when the bass clashes with the kick drum sound. Also, when a DJ wants to achieve a pumping sound in the music, then he will use the ducking effect.

Any DJ should remember a few basic principles about using a compressor. First, the more a DJ compresses a signal, then the higher the average energy level will be. Background noise will always be increased as a DJ uses a high gain reduction.

One of the greatest effects to achieve with vocals is the reverse compression. "New York compression," as it is commonly referred to, happens when a DJ mixes an uncompressed signal with a compressed signal. Many compressors have a special knob that allows a DJ to complete a "New York compression."

Basically, a DJ should remember not to use synth sample packs too much in mixing a song. Rather, a compressor should be used to illuminate, expand upon, and emphasize unique parts of a song.

Mike is a business consultant and has worked for several companies. In his spare time he enjoys experimenting with music and in particular synth sample packs. For more details on any issues raised in the article visit Dance Midi Samples.

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