Compressor Pedal Knobs - Can anyone simplify?

[m0ranwad]

While playing DI through FL Studio 10, I have the option of a VST Compressor Pedal. Can anyone point me to an article/thread/link giving solid information on compressing a bass guitar.

These are the knobs.

Threshhold - From 60.0db - 0.0db

Attack - From 0ms - 400.0 ms

Ratio - From 0.4: 1 - 30.0 : 1

Gain -From 30 - +30 db

Release - From 0 ms - 4000 ms

Type:

Hard/Medium/Vintage/Soft/Hard_R/Medium_R/Vintage_R/Soft_R

[odineye]

Not that this will "simplify" for you, but the best read for anyone who wants to learn compressors that I've found.

http://www.ovnilab.com/faq.shtml

[fivestringgecko]

+1 to Odineye. An abundance of good information in that link. The very first link once you're there (What is a compressor?) is probably the place you want to start. It covers the controls you're asking about and also has some pretty helpful links on getting started with compression.

5sg.

[m0ranwad]

Very helpful guys! I'm willing to take the time to read through and learn.

I only said "simplify" in case that was possible

[Joe Louvar]

In a nutshell, a compressor is similar to riding a fader on a mixer, only automatically. The Threshhold controls when the compressor kicks in, the Attack controls how fast the compressor kicks in, the Ratio controls the amount of compression, the Release controls how long (time) the signal is compressed, and the Gain is like the overall output level knob.

Here’s a quick "nutshell" link - http://www.ethanwiner.com/compressors.html