Why should I compress the drum tracks?
Today’s question comes from one of our readers in Germany: “Everywhere, I hear about compressing the drum tracks in mixing. But how do I set up the compressor, at which threshold, attack value, release time etc.? Why should I compress the drum tracks? Do you have any suggestions about when to compress and how to do it?” HEY! That’s three questions. And mighty big questions they are. First, I suggest you read through our Drum Recording Summit entries, as there are some good tidbits of information in there. The biggest problem is understanding why or why not to compress in the first place. While this is largely a matter of personal taste, drum tracks often do sit better in a mix if they’ve been compressed somewhat. Compressing can deliver a fatter, more full and controlled sound. But we have to remember that a compressor technically does little more than reduce the dynamic range of a signal. In modern recording a little of this goes a long way. The side effects of altered attack, more sustain, pumping, and breathing are often more obvious results of using a compressor and are where the art of using one really makes the difference between it doing something good or bad to your sound. There are so many situations, signals, types and brands of compressors with different capabilities and quality levels that it’s hard to really go into any detail about how to set the knobs that would apply to them all. This is like asking how to play a song on a guitar. There’s no substitute for learning what each control really does and experimenting until you understand the impact on the sound coming through it.If, like many people, the prospect of really learning the details of how and why compressors do what they do seems daunting, there is still an easy way you can use one. I rarely endorse specific products in Technical Tip of the Day, but the Blue Max compressor from PreSonus is an excellent sounding compressor that actually has presets for various instruments and applications. It still has all the controls if you ever want to dig in to it, but the presets sound really, really good and it’s very inexpensive.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.