Ralph Sutton’s Compression Settings Guide: Master Dynamics with Precision
Learn the art of compression with expert tips and settings for various instruments and vocals. This guide includes visual demonstrations of attack, release, and compression curves to help you achieve professional results.
Visual Demonstrations
Below are visuals that illustrate the effects of compression on a sine wave, attack and release times, and the compression curve.
Figure 1: Compression Waveforms (Before and After Compression)
Figure 2: Attack, Release, and Compression Curve
Compression Settings by Instrument
Drums
Kick Drum:
Attack: 20-40 ms | Release: 50-100 ms
Threshold: -10 dB | Ratio: 4:1
Makeup Gain: +3 dB
Tip: Use a slower attack to preserve punch while controlling sustain.
Snare Drum:
Attack: 5-15 ms | Release: 60-120 ms
Threshold: -8 dB | Ratio: 6:1
Makeup Gain: +2 dB
Tip: Enhance the snare’s attack for clarity by using a short attack time.
Hi-Hat:
Attack: 2-5 ms | Release: 20-40 ms
Threshold: -12 dB | Ratio: 3:1
Makeup Gain: +1 dB
Tip: Use fast settings to control sharp transients without losing natural tone.
Toms:
Attack: 10-30 ms | Release: 80-150 ms
Threshold: -10 dB | Ratio: 4:1
Makeup Gain: +2 dB
Tip: Balance attack and release to retain body and resonance.
Vocals
Male Vocals:
Attack: 10-30 ms | Release: 100-150 ms
Threshold: -12 dB | Ratio: 3:1
Makeup Gain: +5 dB
Tip: Use a lower ratio for a natural sound or a higher ratio for polished clarity.
Female Vocals:
Attack: 5-20 ms | Release: 80-120 ms
Threshold: -15 dB | Ratio: 4:1
Makeup Gain: +6 dB
Tip: Preserve dynamic range by keeping attack fast and release smooth.
Guitars
Electric Guitar:
Attack: 5-15 ms | Release: 50-100 ms
Threshold: -10 dB | Ratio: 4:1
Makeup Gain: +3 dB
Tip: Control dynamics without losing tone by balancing attack and ratio.
Acoustic Guitar:
Attack: 10-30 ms | Release: 70-120 ms
Threshold: -12 dB | Ratio: 3:1
Makeup Gain: +2 dB
Tip: Add sustain by using a slower release time.
Keyboards
Grand Piano:
Attack: 5-15 ms | Release: 100-150 ms
Threshold: -10 dB | Ratio: 3:1
Makeup Gain: +4 dB
Tip: Use subtle compression to enhance dynamics and retain detail.
Rhodes Piano:
Attack: 15-40 ms | Release: 120-200 ms
Threshold: -8 dB | Ratio: 2:1
Makeup Gain: +3 dB
Tip: Add warmth and sustain with gentle compression.