If you are not already familiar with the basics of compression and its parameters, you can read up on them in our article “How to Hear Compression,” by Tiki Horea.Įach type of compressor uses specific electronic components that result in unique tonal qualities.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at ways of using compression on vocals to create anything from smooth, transparent, and natural-sounding results to vibey, energetic, and colorful tracks. Perhaps most importantly, certain compressors change the timbre and dimensionality of a track by introducing subtle harmonic saturation.

Compression can shape transients and modify sustain, affecting the sense of an instrument’s timing within a groove. Compression obviously evens out the dynamics of a performance so peaks don’t jump out and quieter bits are not lost, but it can also add excitement and emphasis to a track in a way that gives it urgency and commands attention within a mix. The de facto use of compression, though, yields effects beyond simple dynamic control. Reducing the dynamic range also allows us to hear the low-level details since their volume has been increased relative to the loud parts. Compression allows the vocals to sit more prominently in the mix and helps it to stand out. With less distance (dynamic range) between the quiet and loud parts, the entire vocal can be brought up in level without clipping. Take that where you will…įor the fun of it, check out the original Fairchild Manual.The obvious purpose of compressing vocals, or any other instrument, is to reduce the dynamic range of a particular track. Try a low pass filter after the compressor to tame that high end bump, if it sounds a little brittle.See that switch labeled “MAINS” -? Leave it off.Say what you want about “analogue”, but sometimes I like to use this across a bunch of channels, as if I have a dozen or more Fairchild’s sitting in my rack. One of the biggest advantages to software is that you can use it on multiple tracks. If you are interested in the time constant settings for the Fairchild 670, as well as notes comparing the Waves Puigchild 670 to the UAD Fairchild 670 and the IK Multimedia TR5 VC-670, I have them on the UAD Fairchild 670 page. I would really like to compare them, so if someone could be kind enough to gift me the hardware… You can find the Fairchild 670 hardware for only $50K more than the Waves Puigchild 670 plugin.

Waves puigchild vs uad fairchild