Music & Audio Advice FREE Music & Audio Advice Compression and Dynamic Range Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What does the 'knee' setting on a compressor control?

Accepted Answer

How gradually the compressor transitions from uncompressed to compressed signal

Answer

The maximum output level of the compressor

Answer

The speed at which the compressor releases gain reduction

Answer

The frequency range affected by compression

Question 2

In parallel compression, what is blended with the compressed signal?

Accepted Answer

The original uncompressed signal

Answer

A delayed version of the signal

Answer

A high-pass filtered signal

Answer

White noise

Question 3

What is the typical dynamic range of a commercial pop recording after mastering?

Accepted Answer

6-10 dB

Answer

20-30 dB

Answer

40-50 dB

Answer

60-70 dB

Question 4

What happens when you set a compressor's ratio to infinity:1?

Accepted Answer

It functions as a limiter, preventing signal from exceeding the threshold

Answer

It completely mutes the signal

Answer

It inverts the phase of the audio

Answer

It doubles the output gain

Question 5

Which parameter would you adjust to prevent a compressor from clamping down on every drum transient in a mix bus?

Accepted Answer

Increase the attack time

Answer

Decrease the ratio

Answer

Increase the threshold

Answer

Lower the release time

Question 6

What is 'gain staging' in the context of dynamic range management?

Accepted Answer

Setting appropriate signal levels at each point in the audio chain to maintain headroom and minimize noise

Answer

Automating volume faders throughout a song

Answer

Applying equal compression to every track

Answer

Boosting the master output to maximize loudness