Foundation · Module 2.2 · Tools of the Trade

Compressor Visualizer

Watch what each control does to the waveform — and hear the difference.

Output waveform — input ghosted behind
Gain Reduction
0−6−12−18−24
0.0 dB
live GR

Transfer Curve

Input level (X) vs. output level (Y) in dBFS. Below the threshold the curve runs at 1:1 (no compression). Above the threshold it bends — the steeper the bend, the higher the ratio.

The dashed line is unity (1:1). The solid line is your current compressor's transfer.

Compression is the most-misunderstood tool

Press Play to hear a drum loop, then move the controls. Threshold sets how loud a sound has to be before the compressor reacts. Amount sets how much it gets squeezed. Speed sets how fast the compressor reacts and recovers. Try the A/B bypass to hear the on/off difference at any moment.

Master