This has made compression click in a way that all the videos and tutorials I've watched thus far haven't really done. Great explanation. Thank you for making this video and sharing your expertise!
The first two compressors Nacter and CLA2A did mainly peak reductional job. But the Tube compressor of Audition worked on RMS value of the audio. Thats why u got a more even level.
I've been really digging into compression lately (and window shopping hardware units!). I've found for voiceover, there's really two (or three) ways to go: a) small ratio, low threshold, e.g. 2:1, -28dB (with or without soft knee) b) large ratio, higher threshold, and maybe a soft knee to bring it in gradually, e.g. 4:1 or more, -12dB, 4-6dB soft knee, so a semi-limiter too. c) both, either in parallel (e.g. using channel pan control to blend the two versions) or series. A lot of it depends on the voice, the performance, and the intended output. E.g. hitting the quite narrow ACX envelope is a real struggle for some dynamic performers, perhaps needing multiple compressors, yet still requiring nuance. Commercials are more in your face (waveform looks like a 'sausage'). I still have to examine compressors with a high pass filter on the sidechain, so than my dominant low end doesn't throw off the detection, instead leveling based on the mids. The creator of the FirComp2 compressor used an extreme version of this, with 7kHz HPF, to turn it into a deesser. I tried it and it works!
Your explanation of ratio isn't quite right. When we set a ratio of 4:1, if the signal goes 4dB above the threshold, assuming a hard knee and fast attack, the compressor only allows the output to go over the threshold by 1dB.
It's possible I crossed my wires and inverted some points in my explaining, but what you've laid out is what I intended--so thank you for clarifying! For those looking for a bit more detail, here's a link to an article breaking everything down in more detail. www.uaudio.com/blog/audio-compression-basics/#:~:text=Ratio%20specifies%20the%20amount%20of,down%20by%204%20dB%2C%20etc.
Extremely helpful! First encounter with compression was in Garageband on my iPhone and I just used it as the "make everything really loud" button. Nice to know how it actually works now that I'm trying to apply it to vo
Thank you for your explanation on how to navigate using a compressor. There is a logical flow and you help shape the meaning and relationship of one feature to another. All the Best!!
New subscriber here! Thank you for everything! Would you recommend only the UAD plugin for the compressor cos it does look easy or a similar looking compressor from wave. Appreciate the feedback!
Glad to have you! The UAD I like because it’s simple and adds subtle saturation, but if you like wave both are good! Go with your preference in other words 😊
Anyone know if -15 is a normal db for average high vocal points to be at? Mine is about -35db.. Seems to be a big contrast, not positive if my audio will be worse quality because of this. Should i simply record with a higher vocal gain for better quality? Jaaa
at the moment im trying to build a voice over chain with my old neumann tlm 102 bk.. i thought maybe i can get the sound i want but it records every crackle and i struggle because i also lisp a little.. maybe i need to switch to a good dynamic mic.. because i dont record in a booth, its an open studio space, and i also do talking head shots with camera, but i know exactly how i want it to sound but the high frequenzies kill me :D
Hmmm...yeah my general philosophy is that if a mic is "difficult" to use, in that it's causing more work for me in post, I'll switch to a different mic--even if I like the sound of the first one. Alternatively, I recently started trying out this plug-in from iZotope called VEA. You might give that a try! It's really simple and so far has provided good results for me.
@@jaymyersvoiceover thanks will try the plugin but i already played a lot with RX Suite, Nectar, Neutron, Waves vsts. Needs some time till i get what i want out of it
I have been doing Voiceover for many years, and the number one rule is to send files - clean. Clean means: no effects. No compression, no EQ, no messing... Yes, I clean the noise from the file, I edit, and sometimes diminsh breaths. Why, you ask? Adding effects prior to sending does not allow the Producer to fix issues they might find. Prior FX makes it real difficult to match IF and when pickups are needed. Clients can add compression, if they desire, when they "post" or do the mix. What a VO talent thinks about his/her sound is NOT likely what the client also desires. If in doubt about adding FX or not - ask!
@@jaymyersvoiceover Well said, and thanks for the added advice. I do the same, but tried to keep the post short for the beginners. Remember this folks, you can't undo the audio after it is finalized unless you ahve the original file to pla with. Three woreds come to mind: Save, save, save.
From an afternoon of messing around with the compressor's threshold, following what you advised in this video, I've *finally* worked out that having my threshold set WAY TOO FAR below where my actual common speaking volume is (e.g. I usually see my levels around -19db when I'm talking at a regular volume) was the reason my audio would sometimes sound completely crushed or the loudest parts would be pushed so far down by the compression that it would eliminate any other quieter sounds around it in those instances. I had made the mistake of setting my compressor's threshold as low as -35db when my average peaks were more like -20db to -18db and have been tearing my hair out wondering why sometimes my audio would sound ok (mainly when I was talking at the same slightly lower volume than normal, which I'd unknowingly started doing to compensate for this problem I'd made for myself with the threshold being too low!) but at other times when I'd get overly excited or raising my voice the audio would sound awful🤦♂ Thanks to this video I've finally started seting my compressor properly and noticed just how much the other settings like the attack and release also influence the overall volume of my audio too. I think I might finally be beginning to understand how to get the best sound from my mic and audio setup and it's only taken me about 2 years! I wish I'd seen this video when I first started "learning" how to set up my audio device's compressor...it would have saved me a tonne of headaches and infuriation at the sound issues I've had 😆
Jay....a question for you on software....do you think issues can be caused when 2 DAWs are running on same computer? I love Adobe Audition but want to experiment with Reaper and Presonus Studio One. I'd appreciate your thoughts. by the way, i love the way you approach videos. Very informational, nothing cute or lame attempts at humor. "just the facts"
Thanks for the kind words! That’s a great question and I’m honestly not 100% sure. In my practical experience, the main issue you might run into would be trying to record at the same time. But I have no issues running both adobe and reaper.
I’ve watched tons of videos on sound recording vo and music. This was the best explanation of compression I’ve ever heard. We need more in depth videos like this. I’m subscribing sir.
That microphone sounds pretty fucking glorious! Of course I imagine you have compression on your vocals while talking in this video? But still! What condenser microphone is that sir? I know I've seen that big booty microphone in other studios but have no idea what it is? Looks like a much larger version of my old Shure KSM27 condenser microphone that I used to use for rap vocals.
That's a spicy unit! I own an AKG C414 XLII but I'm still dialing in my voice with it. I've been going back and fourth between different compression settings, reverb etc. At first I wasn't enjoying the natural sound of the microphone, but once I got it dialed in a little better with compression etc. I'm starting to enjoy it. @@jaymyersvoiceover
@@jaymyersvoiceover I have a question for you Jay. Would you be willing to listen to a raw file and let me know whether you think my room is set up well enough to be submitting for jobs? I am a bit in the weeds and would appreciate a professional opinion.
@ryancorley5891 that’s so lovely to hear! Hearing bits like that are why I still enjoy it. Congrats on the book! Did you have specific ACX questions? Or about the process of finishing up?
Hey! Studiobricks booths have their own proprietary acoustic treatment. I’m not sure if they sell it on its own. Before that I used a company called Audimute which I highly recommend.
