How to Use the Compressor

One of the most widely-used audio effects. Compression works by reducing the amount of dynamics (loud and quiet) in an audio signal, allowing it to sound heavier, clearer and more powerful.

Use the Compressor to make your vocals more consistent, add punch, and help them stand out in the mix.

How to Access the Compressor

In Performance View:

1. Tap any of the Vocal Controls at the bottom of the screen
2. Tap Compressor
3. Choose a preset or select Custom (Premium only)

After Recording (In Edit View)

1. Tap on your vocal segment
2. Tap FX & Volume
3. Tap Compressor
4. Choose a preset or select Custom (Premium only)

Free Compressor Presets

Everyone gets these compressor presets for free:
 

Bypass

No compression (the effect is "bypassed").

Use this when: You want your natural vocal dynamics with no compression.
 

Rap

All-around vocal compression to add definition to rhythm.

Use this when: Making hip-hop or rap and you want punchy, upfront vocals with clear rhythm.
 

Pop

Adds depth to the low-middle range with crisp high-end.

Use this when: Making pop music and you want balanced, polished vocals.
 

Moderate

A more subtle effect compatible with most vocals.

Use this when: You want light compression that works with any genre.
 

Parallel Compression

Mixes the compressed audio signal with your original, non-compressed audio signal for a lighter effect to add clarity and dynamic while still getting the volume boost and punch of compression.

Use this when: You want the benefits of compression but want to keep some natural dynamics.
 

Blasted

Intense compression. Loud and clear, with less dynamics. Useful for heavy tracks, but could be overbearing for a softer one.

Use this when: You want very aggressive, in-your-face vocals. Be careful with this one on quieter songs.

Custom Compressor (Premium Only)

 

With Voloco Premium, you can unlock all custom parameters of the Compressor to sculpt your sound as you see fit. Tap Custom in the Compressor panel to activate.

 

Gain Reduction

A live view of the amount of reduction currently being applied to your vocal in decibels.

This is a meter, not a control. Watch it to see how much compression is happening in real time.
 

Mix

The ratio of Dry (uncompressed) to Wet (compressed) sound. A blend of compressed and uncompressed audio is also referred to as parallel compression.

When to adjust: Set this lower if you want a more subtle compression effect.
 

Input Gain

Increases the gain (volume) of the audio into the Compressor. Boost this value to get a more aggressive Compressor sound.

When to adjust: Turn this up if you're not getting enough compression with your current settings.
 

Output Gain

Increases the gain (volume) of the audio out of the Compressor. Boost this value to bring your vocals back to a listenable volume if the compression is reducing your volume too much. Lower this value if your Compressor settings are making your vocals too loud.

When to adjust: Use this to balance your final vocal level after compression.
 

Attack

The speed in milliseconds in which the Compressor engages Gain Reduction once the volume threshold level has been met. A faster Attack will result in a more aggressive compressed sound, and a slower Attack will sound more transparent.

When to adjust: Faster attack (lower number) = more obvious compression. Slower attack (higher number) = more natural sound.
 

Release

The speed in milliseconds in which the Compressor stops Gain Reduction once the volume of the input falls below the threshold level. A faster Release will result in a more aggressive compressed sound, and a slower Release will sound more transparent.

When to adjust: Match this to your vocal rhythm. Faster release works for quick, rhythmic vocals. Slower release works for sustained notes.
 

Ratio

The amount of compression applied to the audio once the volume threshold has been met. A higher Ratio will result in a more compressed sound (more Gain Reduction).

When to adjust: Higher ratio = stronger compression effect. Start with 3:1 or 4:1 for vocals.
 

Auto Threshold / Threshold

The input level at which the Compressor will engage. A lower Threshold will result in a more Compressed sound. If you aren't getting the amount of compression you want with your current settings, lowering the Threshold and/or increasing the Input Gain will help. Auto Threshold will automatically find the ideal Threshold.

When to adjust: Use Auto Threshold if you're not sure. Manually lower the threshold if you want more compression to happen.

Tips for Using the Compressor

Start with presets. Try Rap, Pop, or Moderate first to hear what compression does. These presets work well for most situations.

Watch the Gain Reduction meter. If you have Premium and Custom Compressor, watch how much compression is happening. Aim for 3-6 dB of gain reduction for natural-sounding compression.

Don't over-compress. Too much compression makes vocals sound flat and lifeless. If it sounds squashed, dial it back.

Compression happens early. The Compressor affects your sound before EQ, Reverb, and Echo in the signal chain.

Use Parallel Compression for subtlety. The Parallel Compression preset is great when you want compression but don't want to lose natural dynamics.

What Does Compression Actually Do?

Compression makes your quiet parts louder and your loud parts quieter. This evens out your vocal performance so every word is heard clearly.

Without compression: Your whispers might be too quiet, and your loud notes might be too loud.

With compression: Everything sits at a more consistent level, making your vocals sound more professional and polished.

Why it sounds "punchier": Because compression controls the dynamics, your vocals can be turned up louder in the mix without clipping or distorting.

Compressor and Other Effects

The Compressor works alongside your chosen FX effect. You can use compression with Hard Tune, Natural Tune, or any other vocal effect.

Typical signal chain:

1. Choose your FX (Hard Tune, Natural Tune, etc.)
2. Add Compressor for punch and consistency
3. Apply EQ to shape your tone
4. Add Echo for depth
5. Add Reverb for space

Each tool does something different, and they all work together to create your final sound.

Premium Features

Upgrade to Voloco Premium to unlock Custom Compressor with professional controls including Attack, Release, Ratio, Threshold, and more. Get studio-quality compression with complete control over every parameter.