Compression Settings Calculator

Get suggested compressor settings based on source material, dynamic range, and tempo.

Inputs

Source Type

Dynamic Range

Desired Gain Reduction

Song Tempo

BPM

Tab to move between fields

Results

Suggested Ratio

3:1

Suggested Threshold-14 dB

Attack Time10 ms

Release Time250 ms

Makeup Gain4 dB

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Source Type, Vocals, and Drums.
Set Bass, Guitar, and Full Mix.
Adjust Dynamic Range, Desired Gain Reduction as needed.
Review the Suggested Ratio (:1) result.
Use Suggested Threshold (dB) and Attack Time (ms) to inform your decision.

What each input means

Source Type: Select the source type
Dynamic Range: Difference between loudest and quietest parts in dB.
Desired Gain Reduction: How much gain reduction you want on peaks.
Song Tempo: BPM of the track for tempo-synced release times.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Source Type = 1, Dynamic Range = 20, Desired Gain Reduction = 6, Song Tempo = 120 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Suggested Ratio
Suggested Ratio
3 = 3
Calculate Suggested Threshold
Suggested Threshold
-14 = -14
Calculate Attack Time
Attack Time
10 = 10

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