Sound and theory · 3 min read
All-buttons mode explained: what it really does, and when it works
The famous trick that turns room mics into a wall of drums. Why it sounds the way it does, and the settings that make it work.
Mix Notes
Practical articles on compression and mixing, with settings you can copy and audio you can compare.
Sound and theory · 5 min read
Attack and release on a FET compressor, explained by ear
The two knobs that decide whether a FET compressor punches, smooths or pumps, and how to set them by listening.
Techniques · 3 min read
How to compress bass with a FET compressor
A steady low end without losing the pluck, plus kick-to-bass sidechain step by step.
PINCH-76 guides · 4 min read
Rev A, Rev D, Rev F and AE: which FET compressor revision for which job
Same circuit idea, four different voices. What changed between the revisions, how it measures, and a quick guide to choosing one.
Techniques · 4 min read
How to compress vocals with a FET compressor
Even, upfront vocals in four moves, plus the two-compressor chain behind most modern lead vocals.
Techniques · 5 min read
How to use a FET compressor: input, output and the knobs that run backwards
No threshold, backwards knobs, a ratio that moves the threshold. The four things that confuse everyone, and the one-minute routine that fixes them.
PINCH-76 guides · 3 min read
Mid/side compression: control the centre, keep the width
Compress the centre and the sides on their own. When it helps, and how to set it up in PINCH-76.
Techniques · 3 min read
Mix bus glue: how to make a FET compressor ignore the kick
One to three decibels of glue, the sidechain filter trick, and how to judge it without fooling yourself.
Techniques · 3 min read
Parallel drum compression: big drums that keep their punch
Compress hard, blend back. The setup behind big rock and pop drums, without a send bus.