Thomann's Cool Online Guides: Audio Compressors
This tutorial covers audio compressors and how they are used.
Welcome to our online guide on audio compressors!
Most of us have encountered compressors in one form or another. But while you may be thinking of the ones in your fridge or in your garage, this guide covers a special kind: the audio compressor.
To understand how it works, let's think of an air compressor like the kind that's used to fill tires. It takes an amount of air and squeezes it into a smaller space, thereby reducing its volume. The same principle applies to audio compressors, but here it's the audio signal that's being squeezed. The compressor reduces the volume of the louder portions of the signal, while raising the level of the quieter parts, thereby reducing (compressing) the overall dynamic range.
So why do you need an audio compressor? How are compressors used in audio engineering, and what aspects should you consider when you're trying to decide which one to buy? On the following pages we would like to give you an overview of audio compressors, including many useful tips on how to use them.
This online guide consists of several pages – just select the different topics from the table of contents below.
Audio Compressors overview
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- A-Designs Audio
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- D16 Group
- Dangerous Music
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- Drawmer
- EastWest
- Elysia
- Empirical Labs
- Eventide
- Exponential Audio
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- FMR Audio
- Fredenstein
- Golden Age Project
- Hal Leonard
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- Hofa
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- Mastering The Mix
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- PAS
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- Relab Development
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Steinberg Cubase Pro 10
Audio MIDI Sequencer (DAW) 32 Bit integer and 64 bit float, Unlimited number of simultaneously usable audio and MIDI tracks, Supports up to 256 physical inputs and outputs, 5.1 surround support, Score Editor, Key Editor, Drum Editor, Sample Editor,...
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Sony WH-1000XM3 Black
Noise Canceling Headphones Wireless via Bluetooth (LDAC), Closed, Circumaural, 40 mm driver - dome (copper voice coil), Frequency response: 4-40000 Hz, Sound pressure level: 104 dB / mW, Impedance: 47 ohms, High-quality audio streaming with LDAC, Touch operation on...
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Steinberg Cubase Pro 10 EDU
Educational Version ATTENTION! This software version can only be purchased under certain conditions defined by the manufacturer! Please make note of our terms and conditions for buying educational software under "Downloads" at the bottom of...
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the t.mix 201-USB Play
2 Channel DJ Mixer with USB / SD / Bluetooth Player 2 Stereo inputs: phono / line / MP3, 1 Microphone input with talkover: 6.3 mm Jack, Headphone output: 6.3 mm Stereo jack, Master Out: XLR / RCA, Rec...
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Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2
Behringer CX2310 Super X Pro V2, stereo 2-way / mono 3-way crossover with subwoofer output, 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley filters, subwoofer output with independent frequency control, individual output gain controls and output mute switches for all bands, 2x input on XLR...
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EarLabs dBud
Ear Protection With variable attenuation: -15 dB / -30 dB, Exchangeable ear-molds for optimal wearing comfort, Completely mechanical, Elastic connecting band, Compact storage box, Magnetic inlays make it difficult to lose, Colour: Black, Includes 3 sets of ear tips...
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Singular Sound BeatBuddy Mini 2
Effects Pedal Drum accompaniment in pedal form, The beat can be controlled live while playing with the footswitch, No programming required, 9 Drum sets, 24 Genres, 200+ Styles, Several time signatures, Non-quantized beat recordings by professional drummers provide original...
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Akai MPK mini Limited Black
Compact USB / MIDI Pad and Keyboard Controller Special edition of the MPK mini MKII in black, 25 Synth-action keys, 4-Way joystick for dynamic pitch / modulation control, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, Arpeggiator, 8 Assignable controls for...
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Korg PA-1000 Musikant SD Dongle
Micro SD Card For Korg PA-1000 Musikant, To activate the Musikant software, the associated software installation package must be downloaded via Korg, German version, 240 Styles, 250 Keyboard sets, 244 Sounds, 31 Drum kits, 266 Pads, 400 Songbook files,...
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Airturn Duo 200
Wireless Bluetooth Controller with 2 ATFS-2 Pedals and Pedal Board Can be used as a page turner to flip through digital content, For teleprompter apps, As remote control for iTunes (supports all iOS devices as well as PC and...
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IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub
IsoAcoustics ISO-200Sub; speaker stand for subwoofers - raise speaker by 125 mm; substantially improves both tightness and depth of bass by acoustically decoupling the speaker from it's surroundings; Dimensions: 200 x 250 mm; max. load of 34 kg; Price per...
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Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400
Decksaver Pioneer DDJ-400, dustcover for Pioneer DDJ-400X, polycarbonate, dimension (WxHxD): 48,6 x 27,0 x 4,0 cm, weight 0,4 kg.
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