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Hi,

Although I am working in sound studios for several years I still have problems with compressor settings. Especially with the Pulsar or Timeworks comps.

- Bassdrums tend to sound better direct from the sampler *without* compression
- Basses tend to sound lifeless
- What amount of gain reduction is sensible as a rule of thumb?
- Is compression in front of reverb really that useful as told by many engineers?

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Borislav.

It sounds like you've got to back off your attack settings, compressors should be adding punch to your kicks & basses by allowing you to bring out the initial transient & then control the sustain (ie, set the attack slow enough to allow the initial hit to get through). I'm assuming you mean ratio when you say gain reduction, in which case you would simply set it to however will give you the best balance between attack & sustain. Snares sound great with super short attacks, it reduces the initial snap & makes them sound rounder.

btw, don't be afraid not to use compressors, they're more useful on live instruments than samples & synths.