Today’s question comes from inSync reader, Lando J: “I read an article, Conquering Peaks, in the December 1998 issue of EM. The author says when using compression, set the attack and release times to the tempo of the material. What is meant by this? Also, is there a formula similar to the formula used to calculate the delay time parameter for effects to this?”
I remember reading that article and, without getting entirely inside the head of the author, I think he meant that the attack and release of a compressor should be set based on the tempo or phrasing of the track you are working with. There is definitely no one-to-one relationship of BPM to attack time – no formula. It’s more of a “feel” thing. If the bass player is playing real staccato then a long release time usually isn’t appropriate (depending upon what you are trying to do). It just will not sound good. It all boils down to what you are trying to achieve in the context of the material you are working with. It tends to work out that a more legato track sounds better with longer attack and release times than a staccato one. Then you can always break those axioms and come up with something very unique that works. Know what the rules are and why to break them.
A more general note. Many people use compressors because they have one and they think they are supposed to. Beyond the simplest cases they really don’t know what is wrong with tracks and how a compressor or expander can help them. Invariably they end up doing as much damage as good. If you are going to use dynamics processing on your material take the time to learn what they really do. Experimentation is the key. Of course, the next question is, “Where can I learn more about it?” Hey, the EM article referenced above is a great start.