What is Audio Compression and Why Should I Care?

Whether you enjoy listening to music or creating and recording it, understanding the concept of “compression” can be beneficial. At the very least, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of this technical aspect of audio. When done correctly, compression can make audio sound louder and punchier without the need to increase the volume. However, it is possible to overdo compression.

So, what is compression? Simply put, it is a process that compacts audio. How does this improve sound quality The Vinyl Revival: Trend or Return to the Past? - In an age dominated by digital streaming, one might think that physical music formats have become obsolete. Yet, the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years has defied this assumption, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Sales of vinyl have steadily increased, with millions of records being purchased annually. The question remains: is this just a temporary… ? For one, it evens out the loudness of a track, balancing the really quiet passages with the unexpectedly loud ones. Have you ever been in a car when a song starts playing at a low volume, prompting you to turn it up, only for your eardrums to be blasted when the loud parts kick in? You may have found yourself adjusting the volume multiple times throughout a song to compensate for the extreme differences in quietness and loudness. In doing so, you were essentially compressing the audio by turning down the loudest parts and turning up the quietest parts.

Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just press a button on your car stereo to automate this process? Well, you might be able to! The factory radio/CD player in my 2004 car has a button marked with a “C.” I didn’t know what it meant until I consulted the manual. The “C” stands for “compression.” Check your manuals; your CD player might have a similar feature.

By the way, it’s important to note that audio compression EQ and Compression Processes For Vocals and Acoustic Guitar - When I first began learning about compressors, I found the technical language quite daunting. In simple terms, compression can be thought of as a method for balancing the loud and soft parts of vocals or instruments, making their behavior more predictable. Compression raises the quiet sections and tames the loud ones, making it easier to… is not the same as “data compression.” For example, you may have heard about MP3 or AAC audio formats being “compressed.” This refers to reducing the file size for easier online use, which is not the same as the type of compression I’m discussing here.

So, how can musicians, producers, or those looking to learn use compression? I have yet to encounter an audio software, even open-source ones, that doesn’t include built-in compressor tools. Compression is that prevalent and essential in audio production. For instance, when recording music, lead vocals typically require some compression. Pop music often features heavily compressed lead vocals to keep them audible over the music as it gets louder without overpowering the music during softer parts. A compressor is used to automatically even out the levels of the vocal track. Be cautious, though; overcompressing a vocal track can make the singer sound like they are lisping, among other odd effects.

Another useful way to employ compression is to increase the overall volume of an entire track or any type of audio you’re listening to. The loudest an audio file can be without distorting (that unpleasant buzzing sound you hear when you turn up the volume too high for your speakers) depends on the loudest part of the file not exceeding a certain level. Most audio programs won’t let you increase the volume if the loudest part surpasses this “distortion” ceiling. If the audio isn’t loud enough but you can’t raise the volume because there are one or two exceptionally loud parts that are hitting that ceiling, you can simply reduce the volume of those specific parts, leaving the rest of the audio untouched. Once the loudest parts are lowered, you can increase the overall volume before any part reaches the distortion ceiling again.

This last technique is commonly used when editing an entire track to make it sound louder. Louder can sometimes be perceived as “better” by some people. However, be careful here too. Overcompressing a final mix reduces its dynamic range, meaning it won’t vary in volume as much. This can drain the life out of some audio.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME