While there are certainly no hard and fast rules, there are some tried and true methods that can get you to where you want the mix to be almost every single time. You could also do this by automating the track and bouncing it with the automation, then compressing it, or bussing it to another track and using some parallel compression at a much higher ratio. By using the gain tool, I can get smoother levels without sounding unnatural or over compressed.

Im also aware of the gain adjustments Im making to certain regions, words, phrases, meaning not every word should be as loud as every other word, it should still sound natural. While I certainly wouldn’t do this on every instrument, I find it really helpful in getting my vocals to sit more solidly in the mix than a compressor alone without these adjustments.

I think the region/gain style of volume adjustment keeps more of the dynamics of the track, and makes it hit the compressor more evenly. I wish he would’ve addressed the Knee differences in this video though. Using the gain plugin and automating it would work in the same way, I just like to use the waveform to visually match the gain levels so I prefer to use clip gain automation if I'm pushed for time. Graham has covered the region and gain adjustment tip in other videos, but just didn’t address it in this one, which is perfect on its own for getting the essentials of compressor use. Depending on the genre and how you want the vocal to sit in the mix, I still prefer to region/gain adjust all the vocal parts so that the compressor is working a little less to bring up the volume of quieter/softer parts and a little less to bring down the volume of louder/harder parts.Įven though I know this is how compressors work, the digital tools available these days make it possible to be even more precise.

How to compress vocals