Saturation vs Compressor

[Downunderwonder]

Yet when a compressor is well engaged the overall volume RISES!!!!!!!!! 

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited April 28, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[rmorris]

7 hours ago, Downunderwonder said:

Yet when a compressor is well engaged the overall volume RISES!!!!!!!!! 

 

The output volume increases only because you set the make up gain to a level where that happens. Or it has automatic make up gain.

The compression function itself is realised by a reduction in gain - hence the 'Gain Reduction' meters often seen.

 

Conceptually the function could be realised by amplifying lower level signals more than higher level signals.

But in reality it is done by gain reduction followed by make up gain.

This has the same effect - it's 'just' relative levels.

This applies to analogue hardware. Software solutions achieve the same thing and often present it in a similar way although the actual realisation in code may be done in various ways.

 

Worth remembering that the perceived loudness level is more dependent on the overall energy rather than peak level and this is a basic reason why compression can increase perceived loudness  whilst getting rid of pesky peaks.

[paul_c2]

Put simply:

 

 

The reason I relate it to the limiter function, is that everything in the signal chain, could be a limiter - some obviously you don't want to reach its peak then its limiting (like PA output speakers, for example) because it won't sound good. Some (like valve pre-amp) have a perceived pleasant sound when reaching the limiting stage.

 

HOWEVER in the context of the original thread, discussing the JPDR Jive pedal, it will also "colour" the sound to replicate "tape saturation & distortion/fuzz".