The settings you choose for this effect can create an entirely different mood on the vocal track. The use of reverb is a classic technique that can give vocals a boost of character and color. But it's important to avoid over-compression which can cause vocals to sound lifeless and become overshadowed in the mix.

Makeup gain: Boost the signal of the audio coming out after the compression using makeup gain, also called 'output.'Ĭompression takes trial and error to figure out which settings make the most of the vocal track.Release time: Conversely, the release time determines the time it takes for the compressor to release, or stop compressing, the audio once it falls below the threshold.Attack time: This setting dictates how quickly the compressor will 'attack,' or react, once the sound rises above the threshold.The amount of the sound volume reduction is determined by a ratio. Threshold: Create a cutoff point for sound volume so that if the vocals go above that set level, they will be turned down.Here are some effects to master so you can achieve this: Just remember, when trying to find the right compression settings, your main goals are to make the volume of the sound more consistent and make changes in volume less drastic, while maintaining the dynamics of the work.

One of the most commonly used tools in vocal mixing, compression is an important technique to master it's also one of the trickiest.

Best vocal recording software 2012