Compression Explained

Description

“Compression Explained®” delivers a comprehensive deep dive into one of the most essential tools in music production. In this in-depth series, studio expert Dave Askew breaks down compression from its core fundamentals through advanced creative and mastering applications. The course begins with the basics of audio signals and dynamic range, followed by a look at the history and evolution of compression in modern production. From there, Dave explains how compressors work, covering the different types used today — including hardware, native software, and DSP-based compressors — so you can apply these principles in any DAW or hardware setup. You’ll explore the key controls common to most compressors, such as threshold, ratio, and makeup gain, before moving into more advanced parameters like attack and release behavior, knee settings, and sidechain control. Additional lessons examine multiband compression, upward compression, limiters, and techniques such as parallel and serial compression. The series concludes with practical applications in mixing and mastering, demonstrating how compression shapes tone, controls dynamics, and enhances clarity in a finished production. Whether you’re producing, mixing, or mastering, this course provides a complete framework for understanding and applying compression with confidence.