Possible to explain to a dolt?

[Nev375]

I think of a compressor as a very fast virtual hand on a volume knob.

The instant it sees a signal heading into the "too damn loud" territory it instantly turns down the volume and then gradually turns back up as the intensity of the signal fades down.

The knobs on the compressor define what "too damn loud" is and the particular response traits of the virtual hand.

 

[2F/2F]

Non-technical? Play bass; make sound.

 

[jamro217]

I think of a compressor as a very fast virtual hand on a volume knob.

The instant it sees a signal heading into the "too damn loud" territory it instantly turns down the volume and then gradually turns back up as the intensity of the signal fades down.

The knobs on the compressor define what "too damn loud" is and the particular response traits of the virtual hand.

I think of a compressor as the sonic equivalent of a tube of toothpaste. The "off" setting is like a newly opened toothpaste tube, press down a little and a little bit comes out, press down hard and a lot comes out. The more you compress the signal, the more the toothpaste tube's been rolled up at the bottom. Now you don't have to press as hard to get a lot of toothpaste. Set the compressor to maximum and it's like the toothpaste tube is ready to explode. You take the cap off and stand back. The toothpaste would react differently if the opening of the tube was able to expand and contract according to the amount of pressure. This is what the threshold knob controls. The toothpaste would also react differently if it wasn't the same consistency. If it was watery, it would squirt out of the tube faster and not retain its shape. This is what the intensity knob controls. Think of the sound waves as being put under pressure before being let loose. Limiting the outer ranges of the crest and troughs of the sound waves creates this pressure. When you open the nozzle, the sound blasts out in a straight line. This is why the attack seems to loose its punch. The height of the volume is replaced by length. This is why the notes sustain. They seem to get louder as the notes decay. This is because we're so used to the Doppler effect that we notice the variation. Hopes this helps. I have to go floss now.

 

[Nev375]

Is there such a thing as brain paste? I think you broke mine.

 

[Bander]

I would really love to get an explanation in non technical terms of how an instrument forum works. From the pluck of the membership to the input of a thread. Any takers?

 

[bholder]

brain paste

Great band name!

 

[superdick2112]

Wow, all this time I assumed it was witchcraft.

I'm sort of disappointed.

lol!

 

[CarpeBasso]

Although I understand electromagnetic principles and basic electronics, it's still cool to watch somebody's explanation of these things from their perspective. The OP is 100% correct, many books & online courses skip along and make assumptions that a learner already knows stuff. Well done you guys! Fun stuff.

 

[wold]

You lost me for a second there. Then I came back then you lost again and I came back again. All this before I had my first cup of coffee. Both a good start to my day.
But how or who figured out how to squeeze the toothpaste tube electronically?