The Compressor in Live: turning the loud parts down

Draw and label the response curve of a compressor: threshold −20 dB, ratio 4:1.

Drag the two dots into shape. Then pick a label and tap where it goes.

Say it in words

• The threshold is a level: above it, the compressor turns the signal down.
• Axes labelled: input level (dB) along the bottom, output level (dB) up the side.
• Below the threshold: a straight 1:1 line. Nothing changes.
• The bend at the threshold, labelled.
• Above the threshold: flatter. At 4:1, 4 dB more in gives 1 dB more out.
• It only turns the loud parts down, so before make-up gain the line never rises above the 1:1 line.
• Make-up gain then lifts the whole line by the same amount.

On the exam paper: another plug-in, the same controls

Same five controls, other names: Threshold = Thresh, Make-up = Makeup or Out