Today was ear training, Jim. How would you do when discussing upward compression? It’s not the same thing as expansion.
If you fail to identify upward compression or expansion, it’s probably because you don’t know what you’re listening for. But a compressor looks to limit the dynamic range, and a normal downward compressor does that by identifying the peaks and moving them down. Upward compression, on the other hand, works by identifying the quieter program material and moving it up.
Either way, and unlike an expander, the result is a reduced dynamic range. The result you’re listening for is whether or not you leave your peaks intact. If you’re happy with them, upward compression will maintain them.
Come test your ears with me and your training, Jim. We do it live every week at Beat Kitchen, and you can share that with someone who belongs in a Beat Kitchen glass.
