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4 Types Of Audio Compressors &
When To Use Each Of Them
Kieran Whitehouse
9-11 minutes
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FET, VCA, Optical, and Variable-Mu are 4 classifications of
audio compressors. Each has different characteristics due to
the way their gain reduction circuits react to the signal being
passed through them.
We’ve previously explored the basics of compression, as well as
some creative ways to use sidechain compression and some
of the best free compressor plugins.
Aside from deciding HOW to use compression, as you delve
deeper, you’ll start to think about WHAT compressor to use. As a
general rule compression is used to affect the dynamic range of a
track or instrument, however, there are several types of
compressors that all operate differently and with different qualities.
Audio Compression: Explained
Compression came about in the 1930s as a way of effectively
transmitting audio signals from radio stations to their listeners
without causing distortion for any other unpleasant sounds. It
turned out however that by compressing this signal the sound
became punchier and sounded louder.
These early compressors were much more primitive than the ones
we see today with very basic ‘in and out’ functions. As time went
on the sound of compression became more desirable and audio
engineers started to utilize this idea of dynamic range compression
to improve the sound of their recordings.
Fast forward to the modern-day and you’ll be hard pushed to find a
commercial track without compression on.
Compression nowadays is almost an instrument in itself. Whether
you’re using a physical piece of outboard gear or a plug-in
emulation, the sound of compression will vary type by type.
Types Of Compressors & Their Characteristics
1. FET Compression
What is FET Compression?
FET (or Field Effect Transistor) compression came about when
audio units started to replace large tubes with smaller transistors.
What Is FET Compression Good For?
As a general rule, FET compressors slowest attack time sends to
be faster than other compressors such as a Variable Mu. FETs
themselves give a really punchy tone and sound great across the
board whether it’s drums, vocals or guitars you’re recording so it’s
no surprise to see at least one in most pro studios!
Their sound tends to be rich with a lush distortion to it when driving
the compressor. The Universal Audio 1176 is arguably the most
famous FET compressor and can be bought both as a rack unit
and plug in form.
Best FET Compressor Plugins (Our Picks)
Softube FET Compressor– Save 48% at PluginBoutique
The Softube FET Compressor plug in is a digital model of a classic
FET design. It gives a warm sound whilst keeping vocals and
drums punchy. It’s intuitive controls mean it’s also great for
sidechaining and parallel compression.
Analogue Obsession Fetish Review – Free Download
Analogue Obsession’s Fetish is a FET style compressor, with a
super fast attack time. It’s design means it’s really easy to use if
you’re just starting out. It’s also compatible up to a sample rate of
192khz.
2. VCA Compression
What is VCA Compression?
A ‘Voltage Controlled Amplifier’ tends to offer the most aggressive
gain reduction, which makes it a good choice if you’re trying to
keep in check any loud transients or spikes in volume.
Technically a VCA isn’t actually an amplifier, rather it uses an
attenuator to reduce the volume when it’s fed a certain level of
voltage.
What’s VCA Compression Good For?
VCAs are generally suited to your workflow if you’re trying to tame
any intense peaks in your track due to its snappy response,
however, it won’t be as suited to averaging out the level of a song
as a Variable-Mu or Optical.
The SSL G Series is one of the more famous versions of a VCA
compressor. This can be bought in outboard form or a more cost
effective plug in version SSL G channel strip by Waves.
Best VCA Compressor Plugins (Our Picks)
SSL G Channel Strip – Get it at Waves (Usually $249, on limited sale for
$29.50)
The SSL G Channel Strip is modeled on the classic Solid State
Logic SL 4000 console. The G Channel Strip can take a little while
to get used to but the results it produces are worth the time getting
to grips with it. It also includes EQ controls, try using some of their
presets to start with and tweak from there.
Acustica TAN – Free Download
The Acustica TAN is a free VCA style compressor with an easy to
use interface. This model includes a ‘ShMod’ (Shape Modulation)
function which allows you to tweak the attack curve giving you an
added level of customization to the compressor’s behavior.
3. Optical Compression
What is Optical Compression?
An Optical Compressor (or Opto-Compressor) uses a light source
to control how much gain reduction is applied.
The speed of light is extremely fast, but an Opto compressor is
actually quite slow and smooth. Depending on the level of the
signal, an internal light bulb will start to glow getting lighter with the
more signal it receives. Because of this, an Opto compressor
works off the average signal being received.
What’s Optical Compression Good For?
You wouldn’t get a great result trying to control short, sharp
transients in the same way you would with a VCA for example, but
you would be able to create a smooth compression at much higher
ratios. The smoother reaction creates a much more pleasant
sound as the signal won’t be dramatically squashed.
If you’ve ever seen a ‘Peak’ and ‘RMS’ option in your DAW, think of
an Opto as a compressor that reacts best to an RMS signal.
Your RMS display essentially averages out the signal coming
through, whereas Peak will display, well, your peaks. In this way it’s
easy to visualise how an Opto works.
Opto compressors can really add an element of colouring to your
sound as well. Check out the Joe Meek range of Opto
compressors. Meek himself was a pioneer of using compression
as an ‘effect’, and aside from having a very colourful history
himself, produced some great pieces of gear.
Best Optical Compressors (Our Picks)
Waves Renaissance Compressor – Get it at Waves (Usually $79, on limited
sale for $24.50)
The Waves Renaissance Compressor is a smooth all-rounder. It
has really easy to use Vintage Opto and Electro compression
modes which give an added warmth to your vocals or instruments.
Blockfish (incl Opto+VCA modes) – Free Download
The Blockfish Channel Compressorcomes with an Opto and VCA
function, which is great if you are just starting out and want to A/B
the two to hear the difference. Its design is easy to understand and
once you’re used to it you can take the front plate and make your
own adjustments to its circuit board.
4. Variable Mu Compression
A variable Mu (or tube) compressor is one of the oldest types of
compressor.
A simple way of thinking about a Variable Mu is that the louder the
signal, the more compression the unit will add. This type of
compression relies on the tubes themselves to control the gain
reduction and therefore the process tends to be quite smooth.
What Is Variable Mu Compression Good For?
Because of the less aggressive characterizing of a Mu, it is suited
to situations where you need to equal out your source rather than
tame your loud transients (in which case a VCA may be more
suitable).
These types of compressors can add a bit of colour to your mix but
also help level out thinner sounding instruments as they add a
certain amount of warmth which is suited to instruments such as
guitars or drum overheads.
The slower attack time on a Variable Mu can really help ‘glue’ your
track together which can create a much more balanced and
smooth mix.
Check out the Fairchild 670 for an example of a great Variable Mu.
Best Variable Mu Compressors (Our Picks)
Sonimus TuCo Compressor – Get it at Sonimus (Retails at $74)
The Sonimus TuCo Compressor is another great all-rounder and is
suitable for both mixing and mastering. Much like an analog
Variable Mu you’ll notice subtle reductions at low levels with a
punchy tone when you crank up and start to drive the compressor.
Klanghelm MJUC JR – Free Download
The Klanghelm MJUC JR is a great first step into compression
plug ins. Klanghelm themselves have a really good reputation and
the MJUC JR showcases why. Great for intense pumping effects
but also with the ability for subtle and gentle compression, this is a
great addition to any engineers collection of plug ins!
Final Thoughts
If you’re just learning the basics of compression then don’t get too
bogged down in the finer points of each compressor, but try to bear
in mind the sound you’re going for or the instrument you are
recording.
It’s always worth comparing the characteristics of different
compressors, there are no black and white rules so experiment
and see what results you get. Even if it doesn’t sound great then
it’ll give you a better insight into what compressor suits what job.
