Dynamic range compression: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Comp. rack (Supernatural).jpg|thumb|150px|A rack of audio compressors in a recording studio. From top to bottom: Retro Instruments/Gates STA level; Spectra Sonic 610; Dbx 162; Dbx 165; Empirical Labs Distressor; Smart Research C2; Chandler Limited TG1; Daking FET (91579); and Altec 436c.]]
 
'''Dynamic range compression''' ('''DRC''') or simply '''compression''' is an [[audio signal processing]] operation that reduces the volume of loud [[sound]]s or amplifies quiet sounds, thus reducing or ''compressing'' an [[audio signal]]'s [[dynamic range]]. Compression is commonly used in [[sound recording and reproduction]], [[broadcasting]],<ref name="Follansbee">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gEN1GbEgb5AC |title=Hands-on Guide to Streaming Media: An Introduction to Delivering On-Demand Media |last=Follansbee |first=Joe |publisher=Focal Press |year=2006 |isbn=9780240808635 |edition=1 |page=84 |oclc=1003326401 |via=Google Books}}</ref> [[sound reinforcement system|live sound reinforcement]] and in some [[instrument amplifier]]s.
 
A dedicated electronic hardware unit or audio software that applies compression is called a '''compressor'''. In the 2000s, compressors became available as software plugins that run in [[digital audio workstation]] software. In recorded and live music, compression parameters may be adjusted to change the way they affect sounds. Compression and [[limiter|limiting]] are identical in process but different in degree and perceived effect. A limiter is a compressor with a high [[#Ratio|ratio]] and, generally, a short [[#Attack and release|attack time]].