Compression & Reduction

[Johnny Cadelco]

Sup... I have two questions:

How compression should be used on drums, kick and the master fader? In terms of ratio

When I do use compression on drums, how much reduction should be taken off? -5db or less?
Same thing for the master, how reduction when using compression should be taken off?

thx guys any feedback i'd appreciate

[The-Jackyl]

It is really just personal preference...I just use it until I get the sound I am looking for.

[Naagzh]

Sup... I have two questions:

How compression should be used on drums, kick and the master fader? In terms of ratio

When I do use compression on drums, how much reduction should be taken off? -5db or less?
Same thing for the master, how reduction when using compression should be taken off?

thx guys any feedback i'd appreciate

For starters, reducing by any more than a few dB on the snare will likely bring out hi-hat bleed. Maybe start with 2:1. And if your drummer is consistent, then you may not need any at all. Just enough to even out the dynamics a small amount, don't flatten it. The same could go for the kick. On all the drum tracks, playing with the attack and release times can get you some different sounds.

Watch the free Kenny Goia tutorial on parallel compressed drums here. Note the settings he uses on the compressor. There's more to this technique than he demonstrates, but it's a good start, and you can't beat the price!