Amazing Audio at Home Course Outline: Module 4

In this series, I’m going over the details of Amazing Audio at Home: the course that teaches all of the steps to getting pro quality audio at home, using affordable gear. Let’s look inside Module 4.

You can learn more, and purchase Amazing Audio at Home here.

Module 4: Compression

In Module 4, we’re going over compression: another fundamental engineering tool that’s used to control dynamics in music.

The details of Module 4 inside Amazing Audio at Home.

What is compression?

This video discusses the technical fundamentals of compression, and debunks some common misconceptions about how compression works.

Compressor controls

In this video, I go over some common controls you'll often see on various types of compressors. Even though there’s a ton of different styles of compressors, most have a similar set of controls that are used in similar ways, no matter what tool you reach for.

Compression circuit styles

Even though the controls on studio compressors are often similar, the designs of their underlying circuitry can result in very different sonic "flavors" of compression. Logic Pro makes it easy to switch between different types of digitally modeled compressor circuit styles at the touch of a button, which is great when you're just starting to learn which styles of compression you prefer to hear in your own musical work. In this video, I go over different styles of compression circuits, and how they can be applied in various musical situations.

Practical compression demonstrations

Another fun practical demonstration lesson! In this video, I walk you through the creative process of compressing different types of instruments commonly found in the recording studio: bass, drums, guitars, vocals, and more.

Compressing inside our sample mix project

As with most things, context is key. In this video, I go over how to use different compression styles and techniques, this time working inside the musical context of our sample mix project.

Compression and EQ interactions

Compression and EQ are interrelated, and a change made to one often affects the other.

This video goes over some potential traps to avoid, when you're trying to finalize your EQ and compression moves.

Module 4 Action Steps

Now it’s your turn to step into the drivers seat! Compress our sample mix project on your own, using my demonstration as a guide, making your own creative decisions. In this recap video, I lay out a step-by-step compression process, for you to make your own creative choices within.

You can learn more, and purchase Amazing Audio at Home here.