COMPRESSION TIPS.

1.if the overall dynamic range is too wide (too much difference between most quiet and most loud passages), you can use a compressor at moderate compression ratio (1:1.2 to 1:1.6), relatively low threshold (-20 or even lower) and soft knee, to adapt the overall dynamic range of the recording to the final audio support (for example CD);

2.if just the signal peaks are too loud, you can try a compressor with high ratio (1:2 to 1:4), high threshold (-10 or higher), hard-knee and fast attack/release times, to just control those peaks; in this case, you might also want to try a limiter instead;
3.sometimes you just want to adjust the level of different song parts (like the intro): in this case use a volume curve instead of the compressor;
4.generally: classic and jazz productions use very little mastering compression (especially if there was already com-pression on the single channels and groups during mixing); for pop, rock, dance etc. you might need some addi-tional sum compression, but beware that if you overdo it, it will sound terrible when broadcasted over the radio (where huge amounts of compression might be added) as it will have no dynamic and punch left!
5.if you have a good sounding analogue compressor and decent AD/DA., don't be afraid to go out and in of your DAW and use that instead of your favorite plugin.

HQ SOUNDS

COMPRESSION TIPS.