[music-dsp] Q about compressors

[Bogac Topaktas]

Hi Didier,

> Little question about compressors:  do 'real world' compressors usually 
> process by the book, using dB ratio's, or use specific curves that are 
> better to work with (not talking about the knee, but the scale)?

Yes, the "scientific" dynamic range processors usually operate that way. If you
have not read already, I strongly recommend the application notes: "The 
Mathematics of Log-Based Dynamic Processors" and "Basic Compressor/Limiter 
Design" from THAT Corporation, available online at http://www.thatcorp.com/appnotes.html.

On the other hand, the "artistic" dynamic range processors slightly depart from that
approach and employ whatever sounds more musical to the ear. And this implies 
-almost always- taking advantage of some basic psychoacoustical principles:

http://dt.prohosting.com/hacks/what.html

http://dt.prohosting.com/hacks/joecheep_description.html

Best Regards,

Bogac Topaktas