Compression threshold level?

[porkipine]

I'm am wondering about the actual level that registers when inserting a compressor plug-in on an channel insert vs the master, stereo channel.
The threshold starts to register as low as -31 or so when inserting it as a channel insert. Is this low level just a reflection of the signal strength at that point in the system? When mixing to a nominal level of -12db on the output, I would expect to see threshold levels much higher. So if I insert a compressor in the final outs, I would expect to see a threshold of let's say -15 or so if I'm attempting to maintain a 3:1 ratio peaking at -12.

does any of this make sense?

[Matt Rouch]

I think you might have some misconceptions about how compression works.

Try reading this.

[mindnoise]

HI,

when the threshold of a comp registeres is heavily dependend on its attack and release times.

if you want to measure peaks set in the prefs "peak level hold" to infinite and
apple+click into the Volume window right below your track faders.

regs the www.pspaudioware.com has a good set of analog meters. digi also has its free BF Meters
an RND digital has the Inspector for analysing levels.

jk from http://www.sonoria.pl/jk/index.html has also some good tools for this and more.

personally I would not use a comp to measure levels.


regs

[porkipine]

thx for the referral. Interesting reading.
Actually I do understand how a compressor works. My question was related to the meter readings that show when your doing channel insert vs master channel insert. I think it has to do with the gain structure of the signal at the channel input point vs the final output. I made note that the actually meter readings on the plug-in where showing signal at the -31 or so level and it initially confused me. I think what I'm looking at though is just a -31 level at the point of compressor plug-in and the input meter on the plug-in is just telling me that. If I inserted the plug-in at the final output stage (master fader), it stands to reason that the input level will be much higher. I was looking for confirmation of this point.

thx