Topic

Compression

Compressor controls explained: threshold, ratio, attack, release and when to reach for each
A compressor turns loud parts down once they cross a level you choose. Threshold and ratio decide how much, attack and release decide how fast, and knee, makeup, dry/wet and sidechain shape the rest. Here is what each control does, using the Ableton Live manual as the reference, and when each one is worth touching.
24 Oct 2026Workflows
Sidechain compression beyond EDM pumping: ducking, key inputs and multiband sidechains
A sidechain lets one sound control how a processor treats another. Pumping kick-and-bass is the famous use, but the same routing quietly ducks guitars under a vocal, keys a gate from a drum, and, with a multiband compressor, turns down only the frequencies that clash. Here is how each version works, using the Ableton Live manual and FabFilter Pro-MB help as references.
24 Oct 2026Workflows

Compressor controls explained: threshold, ratio, attack, release and when to reach for each