Things You'll Need:
- Pro Tools software
- Pro Tools hardware interface
- Computer
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Step 1
Click the insert button on the track to which you would like to add compression.
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Step 2
Choose a compressor plug-in. If you have not purchased a third party compressor plug-in, the Pro Tools software comes with a nice compressor that will work just fine.
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Step 3
Play back your audio.
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Step 4
Turn the threshold setting as high as it will go while the audio is playing. You should hear no difference between this setting and your original audio. This is because when the threshold is at its max the compressor has no effect.
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Step 5
Lower the threshold setting slowly and note the changes in the audio. As you lower the threshold you will notice that the audio is getting less and less dynamic.
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Step 6
Bring the audio back up to the original level move the gain knob up until the desired level is achieved. Your instrument is now the same relative volume level that you started at, but the dynamics have been greatly reduced.
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Step 7
Experiment with the threshold and gain settings until you become familiar with the effect these controls have on your audio. Then you will be able to delve into the deeper and more esoteric compressor concepts.
