Getting the Most From RiffWorks

[GuitarSlinger]

A good example of compression being used of necessity would be a vocalist who isn't consistent in volume throughout the song.

On the other hand I happen to like alot of dynamics in some music. When a song gets real quiet like on a good Zeppelin tune and then kicks to louder parts. Music on the radio nowadays has a more balanced wall of sound that doesnt change in volume. It works for some tunes and for others it just kills it. Especially at low volumes.

[GuitarSlinger]

I saw this at another forum, this is very cool.

http://createdigitalmusic.com/2007/05/16/loudness-war-music-over-compression-demonstrated-on-youtube/

[mickeymix]

Now that's a GREAT example Jason....................that's why I always have loved the older recordings and most of todays "radio friendly" tunes have no soul or feeling........so to speak......not to knock them too much, but I don't hear anything on the radio today that gets my attention "sonic-wise" Some newer recording/mastering techniques leave a lot to be desired ....that's why I don't buy the newer music, but will happily shell out hard earned cash for older better mastered classic albums/CD's..........It's sad to see the music industry in such shape.......but it will come full circle no doubt..........

[epauley]

Thanks GuitarSlinger – an excellent example and explanation!

I have to agree with Mickeymix 101%. Once again I must venture to my visual arts roots (which have many parallels with music) to compare audio compression to line (as in a mark on paper).

Line can be even and analytical (mechanical) such as this example: http://psy.van-diepen.com/pic/backgrnd.png . Although the intention is to illustrate depth, the image is flat. Everything is neat and consistent. This drawing corresponds to compressed audio. Individual character is intentionally suppressed.

More expressive (human) line drawing by Da Vinci: http://img.search.com/thumb/b/ba/Leonardo_self.jpg/250px-Leonardo_self.jpg .
Here, the line has variety and thus, more dynamic. The line, albeit drawn on a flat surface, is lyrical and offers endless surprises. The width of individual strokes transition from broad to thin to almost disappearing and back!

Next lesson: How to keep those brushes clean.

[Wedgebill]

Is that why Vincent cut his ear off then, so that he wouldn't be confused about where the bass guitarist was standing ?


Uncle Bill

[gatorjj]

Yes, and how many ears do you have left Ed?

[epauley]

Bill, Bill, Bill…lets simply say it simplified the decision-making process for our psychotic friend Mr. Van Gogh. Of course, he could have always cried out, “Theo, lend me your ear!”

With regards to the number of remaining ears I have left - my bright green chum – enough to keep my glasses on my face.

[epauley]

According to the video GuitarSlinger references, compression eventually falls prey to the law of diminishing returns. The contrast between and among instruments is lost. In effect, to maintain the same punch the overall volume must increase over time at the expense of sound texture.

Output devices (e.g., sound systems) usually have volume controls, so why opt for more “loud” over “quality and dynamics” since the delivery system can provide the “loud?”

[gatorjj]

That is correct, but it doesn't mean compression is bad. Take 2 signals, one 12db louder than the other. Compress it with a 2:1 ratio. Now you have 2 signals, one 6db louder than the other. Compression works from the top down, so to get that louder signal back where it was you bring the gain up and now the lower signal is 6db louder than it was. Do it again, now you have 2 signals 3db apart...the law of diminishing returns.

Is this good or bad? It all depends on how it sounds! If I play an acoustic and my volume is all over the map, compression is usually a good thing to smooth it out and make it sound like I played it a little more consistent than I did. If I "smash" it with compression to where everything has he same level, it's going to sound flat and uninspiring. Likewise when mastering (as I think the video refers to) some compression can "tighten up" a loose mix, too much compression can flatten it like a pancake...but make it appear really loud. And even Epauley the artiste wonders why his tracks don't appear as loud as some others!

[Wedgebill]

Do you need 100 monkeys for all this lot as well, or is one Gator more than enough ?


Uncle Bill

[epauley]

Some would say that one gator is one too many.

[gatorjj]

When you get to Florida, I guess we'll call you "Gator Bill"

[Wedgebill]

When you get to Florida, I guess we'll call you "Gator Bill"

Having been called just about everything in my time maybe that name will be quite sharp and snappy


Uncle Nearly Gator Bill

[mickeymix]

Sorry Gator but I prefer "Hurricane Bill" Muahahahaaaaaaaa
Maybe we'll get old Hurricane Bill to do a "Gator Flop" when he gets down here! I'll personally throw a few pints down his gullet and we'll get him in the mood ...............
.
..........MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmm PINTS (UK) / BEER ( US)!!!!!!!!!

[epauley]

So, mickeymix will be gator/Hurricane Bill's welcoming committee? Just remember, we want him to stay...and to survive!