Initial Compressor Settings

Recommended starting points for compressor attack and release by mix element.

The 4 Styles of Compression

Threshold, attack, and release don't just control loudness — together they create a character. These are the four combinations worth dialing in on purpose. Concept adapted from Mastering.com's compression course.

High Threshold · Fast Attack

Consistent

  • ThresholdHigh
  • AttackFast
  • ReleaseSlow

Evens out performance dynamics without being heard. The go-to for vocals, mix bus glue, and anything that needs to sit steady in the mix.

Thick *

  • ThresholdHigh
  • AttackFast
  • ReleaseFast

Fast attack catches every peak while a quicker release keeps pumping in time, adding density and pushing perceived depth farther back in the mix.

  • Create headroom before compressing
  • Depth: farther

Low Threshold · Slow Attack

Punchy

  • ThresholdLow
  • AttackSlow
  • ReleaseSlow

The slow attack lets the transient through untouched, then the low threshold clamps down hard on the sustain — exaggerating the hit.

  • Turn down room sound
  • Depth: closer

Groove *

  • ThresholdLow
  • AttackSlow
  • ReleaseFast

Same transient-preserving slow attack, but a faster release lets the compressor breathe with the tempo, locking into the pocket.

* Use a peak meter (instead of a loudness meter) when setting makeup gain.

What happens with other combinations?

Low threshold + fast attack squashes transients into a shapeless splat (slow release) or a harsh brickwall (fast release). High threshold + slow attack usually means peaks slip by before the compressor can react — effectively doing nothing.

Mix Element Settings

These are starting points, not rules. Attack is a rough estimate of how fast each element's transient actually is; release is calculated from note values at your tempo — try other denominations as you dial things in. Not relevant for optical compression.

Mix Element Attack Release