Audio compression is one of the most important processes in making your audio sound better, polished, and professional. Whether you are editing a podcast, a YouTube video, or a movie, understanding how compression works makes your job easier. In this blog post, I’ll teach you how to correctly compress audio inside Adobe Premiere Pro. I’ll also discuss the 3 different compressor bands you should use for a specific project.
Audio Compression Explained
Audio compression, in simple terms, is the process of making the quiet parts louder and the loud parts softer. The main goal is to make the audio remain consistent throughout the entire track. This helps prevent sudden spikes in volume and ensures your audio is easier to listen to.
The Audio Workspace
In Adobe Premiere Pro, it’s important to set up your audio workspace. Doing this will allow you to easily access all the tools you need including audio compression. To do this, click the Window icon on the top right side of your workspace and choose Audio from the menu.
You will then have access to the track mixer, which will allow you to add compression to your tracks. To do this, pop open the Arrow Right icon on the top left.
Then, on the first rack, click the Arrow Down icon > Amplitude and Compression > Choose any band compressor.
The Three Band Compressors
Let’s first discuss the three different band compressors. Understanding how each band works helps you choose which tool to use for a certain type of project.
1. Single-band Compressor
The Single Band Compressor is a basic compressor that works on the entire audio signal. This means that it compresses the entire frequency range of the audio track. This is great for voiceovers and simple audio leveling. Moreover, the single-band compressor tab is simple with a few controls to work on.
2. Tube-modeled Compressor
Tube-modeled compressor mimics old analog tube compressors which makes your audio feel more natural and dynamic. It is perfect for sung vocals, dialogue, and narration, as it enhances clarity while keeping a natural tone. Just like the single-band compressor, it also has fewer controls to manipulate. The only difference between the two is that the tube-modeled compressor has a graphical indication of how much compression is happening to the audio.
3. Multiband Compressor
The third band compressor is the Multiband. It is a powerful tool that lets you compress different frequency ranges separately. This is useful when working with complex projects like music. Compared to the first two bands, this has a lot more controllers.
Overall, the three different band compressors are the same in terms of how much compression you can add to an audio. The choice depends on how much control you want, how complex your project is, and how expert you are in using a compressor.
How to Correctly Use Compression
Now that we explained the three different audio band compressors, it’s time to discuss how to use compression inside Adobe Premiere Pro. To correctly compress audio, you first need to understand how the different settings work.
Threshold
First is the Threshold. This determines the volume level at which compression begins to take effect and is usually expressed as +/- dB. Any audio signal that exceeds this level will be compressed. So for example, if you set the threshold level at -21 dB, only signal peaks that extend above that level will be compressed.
Setting the threshold correctly is crucial to ensure that only the desired parts of the mix are affected. The ideal threshold setting depends on the sound input and what you are using compression for.
Ratio
The Ratio determines how much the audio signal is compressed once it exceeds the threshold. For example, a 2:1 ratio means that for every 2 dB above the threshold, the output will only increase by 1 dB. Higher ratios result in more aggressive compression while lower ratios have a more subtle effect.
A good ratio to start for vocals is either 2:1 or 3:1 to achieve a natural sound.
Attack
The Attack Time controls how quickly the compressor responds after the audio signal exceeds the threshold. A fast attack time can squash the life out of everything in your mix, while a slower attack time can let too much through before the compression kicks in. Most of the time, the default 1ms is pretty good for voiceovers.
Release
The Release Time is like the opposite of attack. It determines how quickly the compressor stops compressing after the audio signal falls below the threshold. A fast release time can make the compression more noticeable, while a slower release time results in smoother, more natural-sounding compression.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a good balance between the release and attack time.
Output Gain
Output Gain is used to compensate for the reduction in the overall volume caused by compression. After compressing the mix, the output gain boosts the entire audio signal to the desired level.
Overall, to correctly compress audio inside Premiere Pro, you’ll need to switch to audio workspace > choose the right band compressor > set up the different settings such as threshold and ratio to achieve the desired result.
Final Thoughts
Audio Compression is essential in making your audio sound better. It might sound complex but once you understand how it works, the whole process is easy. Whether you’re using a Single Band Compressor for simple leveling, a Tube-Modeled Compressor for warmth, or a Multiband Compressor for detailed control, the key is to adjust the different settings carefully.
Premiere Pro Presets
Enhance your sound design effortlessly with our Premiere Pro audio presets. Whether you need crisp vocal enhancements, cinematic sound effects, or smooth audio transitions, these presets make it easy to achieve professional-quality sound in just a few clicks. Perfect for filmmakers, podcasters, and content creators looking to level up their audio. Explore the presets here.
Further Reading
- How To Auto Sync Audio In Premiere Pro – The Fastest Method
- How To Fade Audio Inside Adobe Premiere Pro
