How To Use Upward Compression
When either mixing or mastering, you can introduce upward compression or commonly called low-level compression to bring out more detail from your instruments, vocals or master.
In this blog post, my goal is to explain the process of using this type of compression. This means we'll be focusing on the exact steps on how to apply upward compression.
Please avoid copying any strict values you see in this blog post because every single instrument/vocals/mix/master is different and will require different treatment.
What is Upward Compression?
Downward vs Upward Compression
If you know how downward compression works, well upward compression is the exact opposite. Upward Compression is a type of compression that amplifies the amplitude of an audio signal below the specified threshold, while leaving the amplitude above the certain threshold unchanged. This means that this type of compression works only when the signal falls down below the specified threshold, which is the opposite of how downward compression works!
How to use Upward Compression?
The following steps will guide you through the process of applying upward compression to your instruments, vocals or masters:
Step 1 - Frequency Band Selection
Step 2 - Adjusting the range of compression
Step 3 - Attack, Release & Ratio adjustments
Step 4 - The threshold adjustment
Bonus 1: Alternatives
Bonus 2: Parallel Upward Compression
Step 1 - Frequency Band Selection
I'm using our favorite FabFilter Pro MB which works great for upward compression.
The very first thing I'm doing is selecting the frequency band I want to affect using upward compression. In this case, I selected the whole frequency spectrum for the purpose of better understanding during this blog post. To achieve this, I used a FabFilter Pro MB which is actually a multiband compressor with an option for upward compression which I'm going to show in the next step.
Step 2 - Adjusting the range of compression
The default range in Pro MB will be set to negative. You need to change that.
Since the default range in FabFilter Pro MB is set to negative, by flipping the range to positive, you'll engage upward compression. This will make sure to amplify the amplitude below the specified threshold. Make sure not to overdo this step! If you overexaggerate this step, you'll bring too much details and low-level signal to your audio.
Step 3 - Attack, Release & Ratio adjustments
This is where it all gets to your taste. No strict values!
With upward compression, you're free to experiment as much as you wish with attack, release and ratio adjustments. Personally, I leave all of this by default since it sounds good to me. Later, if I notice that I want it to sound a bit different (softer or harder), I can get back and increase/decrease the ratio and move the attack & release accordingly.
Step 4 - The threshold adjustment
Again, this step is inverted than it is on downward compression.
Since upward compression works the opposite of downward compression, the same goes for the threshold adjustment. Instead of lowering it down to trigger the compressor, leaving it up will tell the compressor to work as soon as the signal falls down below a specified threshold. It's very easy to understand and remember. Again, the goal is to adjust manually up to your taste, so don't take any strict values. Use your ears.
Bonus 1: Alternatives
Waves MV2 - Downward & Upward Compressor
Waves MV2 is the very popular compressor for the purpose of bringing either downward or upward compressor. Personally, I never saw any plugin that offer as easy compression adjustment as the MV2. It sounds great, and offers amazing quality. Full recommendation!
Sonnox Oxford Inflator - Legendary unit for upward processing!
Inflator... sounds familiar, right? Well, this legendary plugin amazed many, including myself! It just sounds amazing. It's a combination of upward compression, compression and saturation. I'm still amazed how Sonnox managed to make this plugin sounds so great!
Xfer Records OTT - The Legend.
OTT... this sounds even more familiar, right? Again, another legendary plugin that got supported by many! It's even free to download! It represent a combination of downward and upward compression which simply sounds amazing on anything, especially vocals! Try it out for yourself!
Bonus 2: Parallel Upward Compression
Waves MV2 - Downward & Upward Compressor
Parallel Upward compression is up to personal taste. It can bring even more details to your master, vocals or any instrument. Simply create a parallel channel, apply upward compression on that channel and blend it with your main channel. Just be careful of the amount you're going to use on your material since it can easily destroy the sound you're working with.
Conclusion:
Upward Compression can be helpful in many different cases, all the way from mixing vocals, instruments or mastering. You just need to practice it and to know the right amount you need to apply. It takes time and listening practice.If you want to add a recommendation for the future blog post and get featured on, feel free to reach to our DM on Instagram or use our e-mail address: marko@md3sign.com
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