Start with the whole phrase
- Select a passage with both quiet and loud moments.
- Open Effects → Compressor. Adjust threshold and ratio while previewing the passage.
- Use attack and release to control how quickly the compression responds and recovers.
- Apply a modest amount, then compare the result at a similar listening volume.
Hear the controls
Threshold sets where compression begins. Ratio controls how strongly louder material is reduced. Attack affects the leading edge of a sound; release affects how naturally the level returns.
Avoid flattening the performance
Too much compression can make a voice pump or remove the impact of music. Aim for a more manageable range while keeping the character of the source.
Check level after processing
Makeup gain can raise the processed result. Listen for clipping and added background noise before exporting. Compression of the audio signal is different from making an MP3 file smaller.