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Audio Compressor Estimator

Pick a source and get a sensible starting point for compressor settings — ratio, threshold, attack, release, makeup and knee — with a transfer-curve preview and a note on why it works.

These are starting points, not rules. Every source, performance and mix is different, and threshold especially depends on your actual signal level — set it by ear to get the target gain reduction shown, then adjust everything to taste. There’s no single "correct" compressor setting.

Vocals

Ratio

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Threshold

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Attack

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Release

—

Knee

—

Makeup

—

Aim for — of gain reduction on the loudest parts.

Transfer curve

Dashed = 1:1 (no compression); green = the suggested curve at an example threshold. Attack/release aren’t shown — they govern how fast the level moves along this curve.

Using These Settings

A compressor is shaped by a few controls: threshold (the level above which it acts), ratio (how hard it squeezes above that), attack and release (how fast it clamps down and lets go), knee (how abruptly compression starts) and makeup gain (to restore the level lost). The suggestions here are typical first moves for each source — for example, gentle 2:1 glue on a mix bus versus firmer 4:1 control on bass.

Because threshold depends entirely on how loud your signal is, the smart way to use it is by gain reduction: lower the threshold until the meter shows the target reduction listed, then fine-tune attack and release until it feels musical. The transfer curve previews the threshold/ratio/knee shape; it can’t show attack and release, which are time-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these the "correct" settings?

No — there’s no single correct setting. These are common starting points that work for many sources; always adjust by ear for your specific performance, tone and mix.

Why is threshold given by ear, not an exact dB?

Threshold only makes sense relative to your signal’s actual level, which varies hugely. So set it to achieve the target gain reduction shown — that’s how engineers dial it in regardless of the source level.

Why don’t the settings show on the curve?

The transfer curve shows threshold, ratio and knee — the static level mapping. Attack and release are time-based (how fast the compressor moves along that curve), which a static plot can’t display.

What’s a good amount of gain reduction?

It depends on the goal: 1–3 dB for subtle bus glue, 3–6 dB for controlled vocals, more for obvious effect. Each preset lists a sensible target; trust your ears over the meter.

Does this process my audio?

No. It only suggests settings and draws the curve. Dial the settings into your DAW’s or hardware compressor.

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