Apple Logic Pro /LogicExpress Discussion

From: "iraklis_l" iraklis.lampropoulos@... iraklis_l:

>>  Logic's Compressor plug is rather excellent for a free "built-in" plug..

>  I might be doing sth wrong, but I do not agree with that..

>  Normally when one has a channel that is low the compressor can bring it
>  louder. This happens because the dynamic range is reduced and therefore
>  the average volume of the channel can be brought up, sth that is done
>  automatically by Logic. Therefore when one has a channel which is just
>  clipping at one little peak, one would expect to be able to put on a
>  compressor and get louder average signal without the clipping. However
>  what always happens is that when you do that it clips much more & you need
>  to bring the volume of the whole channel down, which defeats the purpose..

Hi.. Couple of points..

- If a signal is "just clipping at one little peak", then a Limiter 
would be a better choice than a compressor (try Logic's Limiter 
plugin).. On the other hand, if you want to reduce overall dynamic 
range as well as controlling occasional peaks, then use of a 
compressor would be appropriate (see below)..

- As you noted, Logic's Compressor automatically applies makeup gain, 
but this is not a necessary feature, and in my experience Logic Comp 
almost always applies too much.. To control make-up gain manually (as 
with most traditional compressors), simply turn off the auto-makeup 
gain button (it's below the makeup gain slider on the right). Then 
compress to taste and manually increase the make-up gain to bring up 
the quieter parts (Btw, this is how the Renaissance Compressor works, 
you apply make-up gain manually)..

- Doing the above may still not control stray transient peaks 
(depending on the compressor's Attack settings) - if any stray peaks 
keep you from advancing the gain as much as you'd like, you can also 
limit the signal at that point..

- Logic's Compressor also has an additional built-in limiter - it can 
be accessed by clicking the "additional controls" button on the 
plugin (upper left).. There are controls for limiter in/out and 
soft/hard knee..

>  I .. used the Waves Rennaisance Compressor and it was wonderful..

Personally, I like the Renaissance Compressor too (I find it fast and 
easy to get the processing I want), but Logic's Compressor, while 
different, is also very good (though a bit more finicky, IMO).. You 
should be able to accomplish what you want with it easily enough..

-- 
Cheers, Joe Albano
ROOFTOP PRODUCTIONS NYC NY
Music Production  : http://www.rooftopproductions.com
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