Presonus Audio electronic Smart Compressor - Manual (Page 6)

OVERVIEW
5
much compression destroys the acoustical dynamic response of a
performance. (‘Over compression’, however, is used by some engineers
as an effect, and with killer results!)
Compressor/limiters are commonly used for many audio applications. A
kick drum can get lost in a wall of electric guitars. No matter how much
level is increased, the kick drum stays ‘lost in the mud’. Add a touch of
compression and tighten up that kick drum sound allowing it to ‘punch’
through without having to crank the level way up.
A vocal performance usually has a wide dynamic range. Transients (the
very loudest portion of the signal) can be far outside the average level of
the vocal signal. It is extremely difficult to ride the level with a console
fader. A compressor/limiter automatically controls gain without altering
the subtleties of the performance.
A solo guitar can seem to be masked by the rhythm guitars. Compression
can make your ‘lead’ soar above the track without shoving the fader
through the roof .
Bass guitar can be difficult to record . A consistent level with good attack
can be achieved with proper compression . Your bass doesn’t have to be
washed out in the low end of the mix . Let the compressor/limiter give
your bass the punch it needs to drive the bottom of the track .