Types of Compressors

Whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or podcasts, understanding the different types of compressors is essential. Let’s explore the various compressor types that everyone should know.

VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier)

• They use voltage-controlled amplifiers to regulate the audio signal’s gain.

• Characteristics:

  • Transparent: VCA compressors maintain the natural sound of your recordings.

  • Fast Attack and Release: Ideal for controlling peaks and taming dynamic vocals.

  • Common Applications: Mixing, mastering, and live sound.

Optical

• They use a light-dependent resistor (LDR) to control gain reduction.

• Characteristics:

  • Smooth and Musical: Optical compressors impart a warm, vintage vibe.

  • Slower Attack and Release: Great for leveling out vocals and bass.

  • Common Applications: Recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and electric guitars.

FET (Field-Effect Transistor)

• They use field-effect transistors for gain control.

• Characteristics:

  • Aggressive: FET compressors add color and character to your sound.

  • Fast Attack, Medium Release: Perfect for drums, electric guitars, and punchy vocals.

  • Common Applications: Rock, funk, and aggressive music genres.

Tube

• They use vacuum tubes for compression.

• Characteristics:

  • Warm and Harmonic: Tube compressors introduce pleasing harmonics.

  • Slower Attack and Release: Ideal for vocals, strings, and brass.

  • Common Applications: Vintage recordings, jazz, and blues.

Digital

• They use algorythm's/code and operate in the digital domain.

• Characteristics:

  • Precise and Versatile: Digital compressors offer precise control.

  • Various Algorithms: Choose from clean, transparent, or character-enhancing modes.

  • Common Applications: Mixing, post-production, and electronic music.

Multiband

• They divide the frequency spectrum into bands and assign a compressor to each band.

• Characteristics:

  • Targeted Control: Adjust compression independently for different frequency ranges.

  • Complex but Powerful: Ideal for mastering and fixing specific frequency issues.

  • Common Applications: Mastering, radio production, and EDM.

Parallel (New York Compression)

• Involves blending a heavily compressed signal with the dry signal.

• Characteristics:

  • Best of Both Worlds: Retain dynamics while adding sustain and thickness.

  • Common Applications: Drums, vocals, and mix busses.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all compressor. Experiment, listen critically, and choose the right compressor for each situation.