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3 Using the Smashup
23
This section defines compression, and explains the functions of
the Smashup’s controls in greater detail.
What is a compressor?
Most types of signal processors, such as reverbs, phaser/flangers,
and equalizers, make an obvious change in the sound. But a
compressor's action is much more subtle; when used properly,
many listeners won't be aware that signal processing is being used.
Yet, compressors are essential in modern audio work to make
instruments hold their place in the mix, and add sustain and body.
Almost every lead vocal on a pop record is compressed during
tracking or mixdown. Often the entire stereo mix is compressed
or limited during the mastering process.
A compressor/limiter like the Smashup is essentially an automatic
volume control. Imagine an engineer with his hand on a fader and
his eyes on an input level meter. As long as the meter stays below
a certain point (the threshold), he leaves the fader up and the gain
is unchanged. But the instant the sound gets louder, the engineer
pulls down the fader by a certain amount. After the sound gets
soft again, the engineer will push the fader back up. That's what
the Smashup is doing, except much faster and more accurately
than humanly possible.
Paradoxically, by cutting the peak levels, the Smashup allows you
to raise the average level of a sound using the [OUTPUT] control
and make the overall sound louder. By coordinating the
[THRESHOLD] and [OUTPUT] controls, you can set a stable
sound that will hold its position in the mix regardless of the
dynamics of the instrument or vocal. Compression is the tool to
use when you want a lead vocal to go from a scream to a whisper
and not get buried behind the instruments.