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The term "audio compression", meaning '''audio level compression''' is used in the [[sound recording]] and live [[sound reinforcement]] fields. In this context, it refers to a process whereby the [[dynamic range]] of an audio signal is reduced.
An audio level compressor reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal by using a variable gain [[amplifier]] to reduce the [[gain]] of the signal if it passes a set threshold. The amount of gain reduction is usually determined by a [[ratio]] control. That is, with a ratio of 4:1, if the input level is 4[[decibel|dB]] over the threshold, the gain will be reduced so that the output level will only be 1dB over the threshold.
Compressors usually have controls to set how fast the compressor responds to changes in input level, known as ''attack'', and how quickly the compressor returns to no gain reduction once the input level is below the threshold, known as ''release''. Also, because the compressor is reducing the gain (or level) of the signal, the ability to add a fixed amount of gain at the output is provided so that an optimum level can be used.
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