Overview of Compression

Compression in More Detail

GarageBand Compressors

Song Sample Mix Analysis

Goal

• Convey knowledge of EQ and compression and know how to use these tools in GarageBand.

Terms

• Rough Mix
• Panning Tracks
• EQ Effect Presets
• Graphic EQ
• Master Output Level
• Volume and Pan Automation
• Compression
  • Threshold
  • Ratio
  • Attack
  • Release
  • Gain

Product

• Create a blog post with embedded media from YouTube, SoundCloud, and/or Flickr off your composition and video explanation.

Examples

• Coming soon!

 Compressor Controls

Compressor Settings Cheatsheet

Image from Groove3.com

GarageBand Compressor Plug-in Example Settings

Watch this tutorial on GarageBand compressor settings by thegaragebandguide.com

Steps

• Step 1 – Create Blog Post, Add Section Headings, and Define Terms
  • Watch How Fleetwood Mac Makes A Song
  • Create blog post titled, Mixing Music, Compression, and EQ with GarageBand
  • Copy and paste the following headings:
    • Summary
    • Terms and Concepts
    • Compressor Settings Cheatsheet
      • (Copy and paste the cheatsheet here)
    • GarageBand Screencast
      • (Describe what you learned in GarageBand from this activity)
    • Compression and EQ on Microphone Audition Project
      • (Insert the before compression and EQ podcast)
      • (Insert the after compression and EQ podcast)
    • What I Learned and Problem(s) I Solved
      • (Make sure to place video tutorial on GarageBand compressor settings into this section of your blog for future reference)
  • Create the Summary heading
  • Create the Terms and Concepts heading
    • Copy and paste all the terms
    • Copy and paste the Compressor Settings Cheatsheet under the terms
    • Start writing the definitions in your own words as you complete the training
  • Start training
    • Get files for Chapter 8 on the server
• Step 2 – Refine Terms and Complete Tutorial
  • Review and place these linked articles into the What I Learned section of your post:
    • EQ Cheat Sheet? Frequency Charts for Mixing Hurt More Than Help!
    • Subtractive EQ vs Additive EQ in Mixing
    • Review Compression Cheatsheet above
  • Continue training and definitions
• Step 3- Demonstrate Compression and EQ
  • Read TheGarageBandguide article on the GarageBand compressor plugin
    • Watch this video tutorial on GarageBand compressor settings
  • Listen to this example fromTheGarageBandguide:
  • Compress and EQ your Microphone Audition and upload to SoundCloud
  • Remember to add both your before EQ and compression and version and the modified version into your blog post
• Step 4 – Publish and Document
  • Create a screencast of your GarageBand work
    • Explain and demonstrate the basics parts of GarageBand from the tutorial and publish to YouTube as unlisted
      • Include:
        • Evaluating a Rough Music Mix
        • Panning Tracks
        • Working with EQ Effect Presets
        • Evaluating the Master Output Level
        • Working with Volume and Pan Automation Curves
        • Preparing the Project and Reconnecting a Movie File
        • Evaluating the Overall Sound
        • Working with the Analyzer and the Graphic EQ
  • Create What I Learned heading
    • Explain what you learned and at least one problem you overcame
• Step 5 – Present
  • Present project and get feedback from peers and place this feedback under the What I Learned heading

Tools

• GarageBand
• Soundcloud
• YouTube

Resources

• GarageBand Basics
  • Evaluating a Rough Music Mix
  • Panning Tracks
  • Working with EQ Effect Presets
  • Evaluating the Master Output Level
  • Working with Volume and Pan Automation Curves
  • Preparing the Project and Reconnecting a Movie File
  • Evaluating the Overall Sound
  • Working with the Analyzer and the Graphic EQ
• Adding ID3 tag information and art in iTunes
  • Watch tutorials
• GarageBand Basics Screencast Video Tutorial
• GaragebandandBeyond
  • How to use an Audio Compressor – Detailed Explanation – Garageband Tutorial
• TheGarageBandguide
  • GarageBand compressor settings
• The Ledger Note blog
  • EQ Cheat Sheet? Frequency Charts for Mixing Hurt More Than Help!
  • Subtractive EQ vs Additive EQ in Mixing
  • Mixing & Mastering
  • Studio Recording
• ProStudioLive.com – Compressor

Feedback Form

• Mixing Music, Compression, and EQ Feedback Form  (PDF)