Identify the Problem Before Reaching for Compression

Are you learning about audio engineering and feeling stuck? How can you be expected to recognize the “solution” if you aren’t clearly identifying what the problem is in the first place?

You will identify compression when the problem you’re trying to solve goes away. That vocal which is sometimes too soft but sometimes too loud, the snare drum that is missing the brilliance of the tip of the stick on the drumhead, a long note that decays too quickly… Identify the problem, and you will know when the solution is working.