How to Compress EVERYTHING: A FREE Comprehensive Guide

What's the best way to compress vocals? How about compressing drums? Compression on bass? Pianos? ...Compressing the mix bus?? Justin Colletti reveals all in this new free episode on how to compress EVERYTHING.

►See free audio tutorial videos with Justin here:

►Get Compression Breakthroughs here:

►Get Mixing Breakthroughs here:

►Get Mastering Demystified here:

►Get the free mastering workshop:

►Get the free mixing workshop:

►Win free stuff at

►Subscribe to the podcast or leave a rating and review here:

#audioengineer #compression #limiting #compressionbreakthroughs #mixingengineer #musicproducer #musiccareer #listenable #bass #guitar #vocals #drums #piano #mixbus #musicmixing #audiomixing #audioengineer #musicproducer #audiopro #audioprofessional #audiomastering #musicmastering #mixing #recordingstudio #mastering #justincolletti #sonicscoop #colletti #podcast

0:00 Introduction
1:54 Drum Compression
9:22 Bass Compression
17:19 Vocal Compression
24:53 Guitar Compression
28:44 Piano/Keyboard Compression
29:57 Mix Bus and Master Compression

[SonicScoop]

Do you have any other compression tips you want to share? Do you have any favorites from these tips? Let us know!!

[Ninjametal]

The way I learned to hear compression settings is from setting each parameter overly high, dialing the settings back to where I can hear the character change to become subtle, then bypass to see if the sound is 'better.' A few thousand times of that, and now comp is easier for me to recognize

Thanks for the great info!

[rome]

One thing I think is worth discussing is the role of volume automation. Often, it's simpler and more effective to automate individual notes or passages that are too loud or quiet instead of trying to find the perfect compression settings. This gets you a very consistent source, and then you can just use the compression for tone and transient shaping.

This is especially relevant if you're like me and grew up listening to '90s indie, grunge, and punk. I want a certain "naturalness" to my music. A lot of contemporary rock is unlistenably "squashed" to my ear. Using liberal amounts of volume automation allows me to be subtle with compression and still have the performances sound reasonably polished.

Granted, I've been experimenting with heavier compression lately. But it's been hard to make myself really enjoy it.

[Peter-guph]

Just wanna say a big thank you Justin - not just for this video, but for all the in-depth expert knowledge you share via your courses and YouTube...

[earsonlyaudio]

I love how you talked about attack times moving things further back or forward in the speakers. My mentor taught me this the first day he was teaching me compression and it immediately made sense and I could identify it is quickly and easily as identifying a perfect fifth. It just clicked for me and hopefully it'll do the same for people just trying to learn compression who find this video. You have the hands down best topical engineering videos. There's more on compression in this vid than a friend of mine learned in 4 years of university.

[acslater]

Thanks Justin Colletti for always killing it.

[abdullahsali]

You are using your own concept of giving something for free and also having something behind a paywall. I respect it.

[lordleomoon]

this felt like... Gospel! You thoughts on Bass and Vocal compression really made an impression on me, and I have never heard it before; Especially parallel compressing vocals. Great podcast.

[juanmanuelvera]

Hello! As soon as I can afford it I will purchase it!! That is for sure! Greetings from Argentina!

[sevenhxrecords]

Tnks for all the info I been learn allot

[geniustracks]

Not sure if anyone gives you the breakdown of how any particular ad campaign is working...but your compression course ad is popping up everywhere on my end, so whatever you did worked sir. Just letting ya know ✌

[truBador]

Never regret stopping in, Justin. I am learning!

[slim]

Currently working on a piece with a troublesome bottom end. I got so excited when you mentioned splitting the bass into a high channel and a low channel, that I immediately stopped the video and spent the next several hours unable to get the sound I wanted. Had I just waited a few seconds, I would have heard you discuss using a multiband compressor. I was using one on each of the bass channels, but was not getting the results I wanted. I'm going to try that next on the single bass channel next. Thanks for all the great advise you provide.

[pocket]

Great Vid, I like how you always mention the differences as per genre etc....from minimalist to Modern Pop..

[NyleHamidi]

Hey you seriously rock. You and a hand full of engineers have helped me get good at something I’m passionate about. And my appreciation for that is immeasurable.

[Irishpineapple]

You and this podcast have signifigantly helped me figure out how to navigate my way around mixing. Not just figuring out how to use the tools but also great for understanding the "why". Thank you!

[pablokagioglu]

Great Compression Seminar! Best I have seen. Thanks.

[campbellfackre]

The exact video I’ve been waiting for. Thanks Justin!

[stevenignelzi]

Excellent explanations of mixing and mastering techniques in this series!

[wojtekkrol]

Fantastic like always :) Thanks a lot! Best regards