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>>>> TRIDENT >>> ok, what is a compressor? I think I have a faint idea, but I am not sure. Supposedly maintains a gereral "level" of sound, like lowering the very loud notes and amplifying the soft sounding ones?? >>>>>

Your description is correct, trident. What makes this a useful effect is that it can be used to enhance the impression of loudness. By taking away the variation between high and low volume, the signal can be made to come through at consistently high level. A compressed vocal can be made to sound like it has the power to cut through the backing instruments.

Did you ever notice that TV commercials seem to be louder than the regular show? It is compression that creates this effect. The actors in the show need subtle variations in loudness in order to convey complex emotions. Commercials have no complexity, and so give up subtlety in order to gain power.

The problem with compression is the same as with all effects: most people use it way too much. A little taste can add interest. Too much can sound completely unnatural.

Douglas Wolfe