Compression Settings: Some Starting Points - PRESONUS StudioLive 16.0.2 Owner's Manual

8 Tutorials
8.2 A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing
8.2.3

Compression Settings: Some Starting Points

Vocals
Soft. This is an easy compression with a low ratio setting for ballads, allowing a wider
dynamic range. It's good for live use. This setting helps the vocal "sit in the track. "
Thresholdhold
-8.2 dB
Medium. This setting has more limiting than the Soft compression setting,
producing a narrower dynamic range. It moves the vocal more up front in the mix.
Thresholdhold
-3.3 dB
Screamer. This setting is for loud vocals. It is a fairly hard compression setting for
a vocalist who is on and off the microphone a lot. It puts the voice "in your face. "
Thresholdhold
-1.1 dB
Percussion
Snare/Kick. This setting allows the first transient through and compresses
the rest of the signal, giving a hard "snap" up front and a longer release.
Thresholdhold
-2.1 dB
Left/Right (Stereo) Overheads. The low ratio and threshold in this
setting gives a "fat" contour to even out the sound from overhead
drum mics. Low end is increased, and the overall sound is more
present and less ambient. You get more "boom" and less "room. "
Thresholdhold
-13.7 dB
Fretted Instruments
Electric Bass. The fast attack and slow release in this setting will tighten
up the electric bass and give you control for a more consistent level.
Thresholdhold
-4.4 dB
Acoustic Guitar. This setting accentuates the attack of the
acoustic guitar and helps maintain an even signal level, keeping
the acoustic guitar from disappearing in the track.
Thresholdhold
-6.3 dB
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PreSonus StudioLive ™ 16.0.2
RatRatioio AttAttackack ReleaRelease
1.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.8:1 0.002 ms 38 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.5:1 78 ms 300 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.3:1 27 ms 128 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.6:1 45.7 ms 189 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
3.4:1 188 ms 400 ms
Owner's Manual
Electric Guitar. This is a setting for "crunch" electric rhythm
guitar. A slow attack helps to get the electric rhythm guitar "up
close and personal" and gives punch to your crunch.
Thresholdhold
-0.1 dB
Keyboards
Piano. This is a special setting for an even level across the keyboard. It is
designed to help even up the top and bottom of an acoustic piano. In other
words, it helps the left hand to be heard along with the right hand.
Thresholdhold
-10.8 dB
Synth. The fast attack and release on this setting can be used for
synthesizer horn stabs or for bass lines played on a synthesizer.
Thresholdhold
-11.9 dB
Orchestral. Use this setting for string pads and other types of synthesized orchestra
parts. It will decrease the overall dynamic range for easier placement in the mix.
Thresholdhold
3.3 dB
Stereo Mix
Stereo Limiter. Just as the name implies, this is a hard limiter, or "brickwall, " setting—
ideal for controlling the level to a two-track mixdown deck or stereo output.
Thresholdhold
5.5 dB
Contour. This setting fattens up the main mix.
Thresholdhold
-13.4 dB
Effects
Squeeze. This is dynamic compression for solo work, especially electric
guitar. It gives you that glassy "Tele/Strat" sound. It is a true classic.
Thresholdhold
-4.6 dB
Pump. This is a setting for making the compressor "pump" in a desirable
way. This effect is good for snare drums to increase the length of
the transient by bringing the signal up after the initial spike.
Thresholdhold
0 dB
Tutorials
A Brief Tutorial on Dynamics Processing
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.4:1 26 ms 193 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.9:1 108 ms 112 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.8:1 0.002 ms 85 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.5:1 1.8 ms 50 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
7.1:1 0.001 ms 98 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.2:1 0.002 ms 182 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
2.4:1 7.2 ms 93 ms
RatRatioio AttAttackack Release
1.9:1 1 ms 0.001 ms
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8
8.2