Vocal Compression Settings for Consistent Dynamics

Compression shapes vocal performances more than any other tool in the mixing arsenal. Proper compression settings ensure every word remains audible without squashing the life from a performance. The goal involves controlling dynamics while preserving the natural expressiveness that makes vocals compelling.

Ratio Settings for Different Vocal Styles

The compression ratio determines how aggressively the compressor reduces signal above the threshold. Lower ratios between 2:1 and 4:1 suit most vocal applications, providing gentle control that listeners rarely perceive as processed.

Gentle performances with minimal dynamic range may only need 2:1 compression. This subtle setting simply prevents occasional peaks from jumping out while maintaining the performance’s natural dynamics. Folk, jazz, and acoustic genres often benefit from this lighter approach.

More aggressive performances—rock vocals, belted pop sections, or rap verses—typically require ratios between 4:1 and 6:1. These settings provide more consistent output without obvious pumping or breathing artifacts. The higher ratio compensates for wider dynamic swings in energetic performances.

Limiting ratios of 10:1 or higher serve specific purposes like catching stray peaks or creating intentional squashed effects. These extreme settings rarely work as the primary vocal compressor but can follow a gentler compressor in serial compression chains.

Attack and Release Fundamentals

Attack time controls how quickly compression engages after signal exceeds the threshold. Fast attack times around 1-5 ms catch transients immediately, which can reduce the punch and presence of vocal consonants. This setting works for smoothing aggressive performances but may dull voices that need to cut through dense mixes.

Medium attack times between 10-30 ms allow initial consonants through before compression engages. This preserves intelligibility and presence while still controlling sustained notes. Most vocal applications benefit from attack times in this range.

Release time determines how quickly the compressor returns to unity gain. Release settings between 50-150 ms suit most vocal material, allowing the compressor to recover between phrases without audible pumping. Auto-release functions on many compressors adapt to the signal, providing musical results without manual adjustment.

Threshold and Gain Reduction

The threshold setting determines when compression begins. Rather than targeting a specific dB value, engineers typically set thresholds based on desired gain reduction. For transparent vocal compression, 3-6 dB of gain reduction on louder passages provides control without obvious artifacts.

Watching the gain reduction meter reveals how the compressor responds to the performance. Consistent gain reduction throughout suggests the threshold sits too low, compressing everything equally. Gain reduction that only occurs on peaks indicates appropriate threshold placement.

Multiple stages of gentle compression often outperform a single aggressive compressor. Two compressors each providing 3 dB of reduction typically sound more natural than one compressor providing 6 dB. This serial approach became standard practice in professional studios long before digital plugins made it convenient.

Compressor Types and Character

Different compressor designs impart distinct sonic characteristics beyond simple gain reduction. FET compressors like the 1176 add energy and presence, making them popular for aggressive rock and pop vocals. Their fast attack capabilities suit performances requiring tight control.

Optical compressors such as the LA-2A provide smooth, program-dependent compression that follows the natural envelope of vocal performances. Their slower response suits ballads and gentler material where transparency matters most.

VCA compressors offer clean, precise compression with predictable behavior. These workhorses handle any vocal style competently without adding significant coloration. The SSL bus compressor and API 2500 represent popular VCA designs.

Practical Starting Points

A reliable starting point for most vocals begins with a 4:1 ratio, 15 ms attack, 100 ms release, and threshold adjusted for 4-6 dB of gain reduction on loud phrases. From this baseline, adjustments refine the sound for specific material.

If the vocal sounds dull or distant, lengthening the attack time allows more transients through. If dynamics remain inconsistent, lowering the threshold or increasing the ratio provides more control. If the compression pumps audibly, extending the release time or reducing the ratio smooths the response.

Gain staging after compression maintains appropriate levels through the signal chain. The makeup gain control compensates for gain reduction, keeping the compressed vocal at similar perceived volume to the uncompressed signal for accurate A/B comparison.

Artists preparing tracks for release through platforms like LG Media at lg.media benefit from properly compressed vocals that translate well across playback systems, ensuring advertising campaigns present music at its best.