How to Hear Compression: Training Your Ears to Master Dynamic Control
Compression—it’s one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. But if you’re not sure what you’re actually hearing, it can just as easily confuse as it can enhance.
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody open up the signal chain and break down exactly how to train your ears to hear what compression is doing. Whether you’re a beginner trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned engineer looking to sharpen your perception, this episode delivers practical insights you can use right away.
Inside this episode:
- A friendly walkthrough of compressor controls—threshold, ratio, attack, release, makeup gain
- Why extreme compression settings can help reveal what’s happening to your signal
- Pro tricks to help you identify compression artifacts and avoid over-compression
- How to use what you hear to make smarter mix decisions
Expect plenty of real-world advice, go-to tactics Chris and Jody use in their own sessions, and—as always—a dose of Friday Finds and some entertaining studio nonsense.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of compression’s role in your mix—and the confidence to use it to your advantage.
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com