Dynamics

Noise gates and expansion explained — threshold, attack, hold, release, range, upward vs downward expansion, and the sidechain concept that connects everything in dynamics processing.

Audio compression explained: threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and makeup gain — why compression is the hardest effect to hear, and how to start hearing it.

Compression as a creative tool: hard vs soft knee, using attack to shape transients, release and groove, bus compression for glue, and when compressor pumping is a feature.

The mastering signal chain in practice: corrective EQ, master bus compression, limiting, LUFS metering, intersample peaks, and when to master yourself vs hire someone.

Compressor types compared: optical (LA-2A), FET (1176), VCA (SSL), and tube (Fairchild) — plus parallel compression, serial compression, and when the type actually matters.

Multiband compression, de-essing, dynamic EQ, and sidechain compression explained — frequency-specific dynamics tools for controlling sibilance, taming low end, and the classic kick-duck-bass technique.

Everyone learns what a compressor does. The real question is why. A compressor isn't a one-trick pony — it's the same tool solving a whole variety of problems.

Understanding the mathematical foundations of audio compression: how logarithms relate to dynamic range and decibel measurements in audio engineering.

Free 26-chapter guide to effects, synthesis, and mixing — from sound waves and EQ through compression, reverb, stereo imaging, and mastering. From Beat Kitchen School.