The Controls
| Control | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Level at which compression engages. Signal below passes through untouched. Lower = compresses more often. |
| Ratio | How aggressively signal above threshold is reduced. 4:1 means 4 dB over threshold yields 1 dB out. |
| Attack | How quickly the compressor engages after threshold is crossed. Fast catches transients. Slow lets punch through. |
| Release | How quickly the compressor lets go after signal drops below threshold. Too fast = choppy. Too slow = squashed. |
| Makeup Gain | Restores overall level after compression reduces peaks. Match output level to input level as a baseline. |
| Knee | Hard knee engages abruptly at threshold. Soft knee eases in gradually — more natural on vocals and acoustic sources. |
Starting Points by Source
| Source | Threshold | Ratio | Attack | Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick drum | -20 dB | 4:1 | 10–30 ms | 100–200 ms | Let the transient punch through |
| Snare | -18 dB | 4:1 | 5–15 ms | 80–150 ms | Fast but not instant |
| Bass (DI) | -18 dB | 4–6:1 | 30–50 ms | 150–250 ms | Smooth out note-to-note variation |
| Electric guitar | -20 dB | 3–4:1 | 20–40 ms | 100–200 ms | Even out pick dynamics |
| Acoustic guitar | -18 dB | 3:1 | 30–50 ms | 150 ms | Gentle, preserve natural feel |
| Vocals | -20 dB | 3–4:1 | 10–20 ms | 100–200 ms | Soft knee, aim for 4–6 dB GR |
| Keys | -20 dB | 3:1 | 20–40 ms | 150 ms | Light-handed |
GR = Gain Reduction. Watch the GR meter on the DM7. For most sources, 4–6 dB of reduction on peaks is appropriate. Consistently seeing 10+ dB means threshold is too low or ratio too high.
On the DM7
Access compression via the Dynamics section on the selected channel. The GR meter is your primary feedback tool — use it.
The mix bus compressor is off-limits unless you've talked to Matt. Heavy bus compression affects the entire mix and is difficult to undo mid-service.
Examples
Scenario: Vocalist alternates between soft verses and loud choruses. Without compression, you're constantly riding the fader. Set threshold around -20 dB, ratio 3:1, soft knee — the compressor handles peak control and you focus on the overall mix.
Scenario: Kick drum loses its punch after compression is applied. Attack is too fast — the compressor is clamping down before the transient gets through. Slow the attack to 20–30 ms to let the initial hit breathe.
Related Concepts
Related KB Entries
Sources / Further Reading
- Yamaha DM7 Reference Manual — Dynamics section