compressors are dodgy things at times.... but set up nice they can do the chunky thing - but more i find they are good for the 'pumping' mix effect..

main controls to mess with i think are ya compression ratio and threshold controls - the higher the ratio setting -- the more ya compressor wil squash the sound.... ya threshold is like the input that controls the ammount of compression that will happen according to how high u set up t he compression ratio!

yes i've just managed to confuse myself there :|


errr - ya just mess with those - - fast attack and long release generally works - as with everythin fiddle to it feels right

as other ppl have said - mess around with eqs as well - no reason why u cant compress a drum channel - bassline - and the mix as well....

one thing i find good to do - is if u set a compressor up on the main mix or any percussive part - check the levels of sound when u punch the bass OUT..

if its set up correctly - for example on a mix - when u drop out the bass - the mix should rise - mostly the hihats and other high and some mid noises... but u dont want it too rise tooo much or it'll get too loud and when the bass drops in it sounds all quiet...

get it right and your mix pumps nice and phat!!!


hopefully!