Audio editing is an essential skill for content creators today. Whether you’re making podcasts, voiceovers, or videos, high-quality sound can make or break your project. Descript is a popular, all-in-one audio and video editor that has transformed the editing workflow by simplifying complex tasks and providing powerful tools in an accessible way.
One of the most important tools in any audio editor, including Descript, is the Compressor. But what is compression, why should you use it, and how can you apply it effectively to your audio? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to confidently use the Compressor tool in Descript, improve your audio quality, and sound more professional.
Introduction: Why Audio Compression Matters
Descript has earned a reputation for making audio and video editing intuitive, especially for beginners. It offers features like automatic transcription, multi-track editing, screen recording, and a variety of effects — including a robust Compressor tool.
The importance of audio compression cannot be overstated. In a world where most listeners consume content on mobile devices or earbuds, inconsistent audio levels can cause listener fatigue or frustration. Imagine listening to a podcast where one guest whispers softly while another shouts loudly — constantly adjusting the volume would ruin the experience.
Compression solves this by reducing the dynamic range of your audio — the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds — creating a more even, pleasant listening experience.
Why Beginners Should Care About Compression
While it may seem technical, compression is a skill every podcaster, YouTuber, and voice actor should master early on. Even a small amount of compression can:
- Make voices sound more consistent and clear.
- Prevent unexpected loud noises from startling listeners.
- Ensure background music or effects don’t overpower the main audio.
- Add a professional sheen to your final product without expensive gear.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what the Compressor does, how to find it in Descript, and how to tweak its settings for the best results.
What is a Compressor and Why Use It?
Defining Audio Compression in Simple Terms
Audio compression is a process that controls the volume levels in your recording. It reduces the difference between the loudest parts (peaks) and the softest parts (valleys) of your audio signal. This control over volume fluctuations is known as dynamic range compression.
Imagine a conversation with sudden bursts of loud laughter or shouting followed by soft whispers or pauses. Compression reduces the volume of those loud bursts and often increases the softer sounds, making everything more consistent.
How Does the Compressor Work?
The compressor monitors the input audio and applies gain reduction when the sound exceeds a certain level, called the threshold. It then reduces the volume of those loud parts according to a specified ratio. After compression, the overall volume might be boosted using make-up gain to bring the audio back up to a normal listening level.
Real-World Examples of Compression
- Podcast interviews: Balancing the host’s and guest’s voices so neither overpowers the other.
- Voiceover narration: Keeping a narrator’s volume steady across different takes or mic distances.
- YouTube videos: Smoothing out sudden loud noises, like chair creaks or door slams.
- Music production: Controlling drums and vocals to maintain energy without distortion.
Benefits of Compression
- Professional sound: Broadcast and studio audio always use compression to create a polished final product.
- Better intelligibility: Compression ensures speech is clear and understandable.
- Consistent listening experience: Listeners don’t have to constantly adjust their volume.
- Protects against clipping: Reduces audio peaks that can cause unpleasant distortion.
Where to Find the Compressor Tool in Descript
Getting started with compression in Descript is simple:
- Open your project in Descript.
- Select an audio clip or track you want to compress.
- On the right-hand side, open the Effects panel.
- Scroll through the audio effects list until you find “Compressor.”
- Click to enable the Compressor effect.
Visual Tips for Finding the Compressor
- The Effects panel is usually on the right sidebar; if you don’t see it, click on the clip to make it appear.
- The Compressor icon looks like a little dial or graph illustrating compression curves.
- You can also use the search bar within the Effects panel by typing “compressor.”
Pro Tip: If you work with multi-track projects, apply compression to individual tracks for better control, or apply it on the master track for overall loudness control.
Understanding Compressor Settings in Descript
To get the most out of the Compressor tool, you need to understand its key settings. These are the controls that shape how your audio will be compressed:
Threshold
The threshold is the volume level where compression begins. Any audio louder than this point will be compressed. Setting the threshold too high means very little compression; too low, and the compressor might affect everything, including quiet sounds.
Example: If your threshold is set to -20 dB, any sound louder than -20 dB will be reduced.
Ratio
The ratio controls how much compression is applied once the threshold is crossed. It’s expressed as a ratio, like 2:1 or 4:1.
- At 2:1, for every 2 dB the input goes over the threshold, the output only increases by 1 dB.
- At 10:1 or higher, compression acts almost like a limiter, heavily controlling peaks.
Lower ratios give subtle compression; higher ratios are more aggressive.
Attack
The attack time is how quickly the compressor reacts to sounds that exceed the threshold. A fast attack clamps down immediately on loud transients (like a snare drum hit), while a slow attack lets more of the initial sound through.
- Fast attack: tight control but can make the audio sound squashed.
- Slow attack: more natural but may let some peaks through.
Release
The release time is how long it takes for the compressor to stop compressing after the signal drops below the threshold.
- Short release times can cause the compressor to “pump” (audible volume fluctuations).
- Longer release times result in smoother compression but can make the audio sound less lively.
Make-up Gain
Since compression reduces peak volume, the overall loudness drops. The make-up gain boosts the compressed signal back up to a usable level without clipping.
Suggested Starting Values for Beginners
- Threshold: -20 dB to -30 dB
- Ratio: 2:1 to 4:1
- Attack: 10 ms to 30 ms
- Release: 50 ms to 100 ms
- Make-up Gain: Adjust to taste, typically 3–6 dB boost
How to Apply and Fine-Tune Compression in Descript
Applying compression is as much an art as a science. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Step 1: Play Your Audio
Start playback in Descript. Listen closely to your track or clip.
Step 2: Adjust Threshold and Ratio First
Lower the threshold until you hear the compressor engaging on loud sounds. Then set a moderate ratio. For voice, 2:1 or 3:1 usually works well.
Step 3: Tune Attack and Release
- Set the attack time so that the compressor catches peaks but doesn’t cut the natural transient or “punch.”
- Adjust the release to avoid pumping. Listen for smooth volume changes without obvious breathing sounds.
Step 4: Use Make-up Gain
Once compression is applied, increase the make-up gain to restore the overall volume.
Step 5: Watch the Waveform and Meters
Descript displays the waveform clearly. Look for tall spikes being reduced. Metering tools (if available) show gain reduction in real-time.
Step 6: Avoid Over-Compression
Compression is about balance. Too much compression makes audio sound flat, lifeless, and unnatural. Signs of over-compression include:
- Pumping or breathing sounds
- Squashed vocals with no dynamic expression
- Distorted or muddy audio
Step 7: Bypass and Compare
Toggle the compressor effect on and off to hear the difference. This is crucial for confirming that compression improves the sound rather than harming it.
Common Use Cases for Compression in Descript
Podcast Interviews
Podcasts often feature multiple speakers with varying microphone setups and vocal dynamics. Compression ensures everyone sounds at a consistent level, eliminating the need for listeners to adjust volume.
Tip: Apply light compression on individual tracks, then a gentle compressor on the master track.
YouTube Videos
Creators often deal with inconsistent audio due to spontaneous recording environments. Compression reduces unexpected loud noises like coughs or background sounds.
Voiceovers
Narration benefits greatly from compression because it maintains consistent volume and clarity. When paired with EQ and noise reduction, voiceovers sound professional and easy to listen to.
Pro Tips for Better Compression in Descript
- Combine with Normalize: Normalize raises the overall level before compression, maximizing headroom.
- Use Equalizer (EQ): Cut unwanted frequencies (e.g., low rumble or harsh highs) before compressing to clean up the sound.
- Presets: Descript may offer presets tailored for vocals or music. Use these as starting points.
- Parallel Compression: Duplicate your track, heavily compress one copy, and mix it softly underneath the original to retain natural dynamics with fullness.
- Listen on Different Devices: Check your compressed audio on headphones, speakers, and phones to ensure consistency.
Troubleshooting Compression Issues
Audio Sounds Flat or Squashed?
- Reduce the ratio.
- Increase the threshold to compress less.
- Adjust attack and release for more natural behavior.
Audio Too Quiet After Compression?
- Increase make-up gain.
- Double-check the output levels aren’t clipping.
Compressor Not Working?
- Ensure the audio clip is selected.
- Confirm the compressor effect is enabled.
- Check that the effect isn’t bypassed.
Hearing Pumping or Breathing?
- Lengthen attack and release times.
- Lower the compression ratio.
Conclusion
Mastering the Compressor tool in Descript is a powerful step toward professional-quality audio. By understanding the fundamentals of threshold, ratio, attack, release, and make-up gain, you can control your audio’s dynamic range, making your podcasts, voiceovers, and videos more polished and listener-friendly.
Compression helps your content sound consistent, clear, and engaging. Like any audio skill, it takes practice to develop an ear for how much compression is right. Experiment with settings, listen critically, and don’t be afraid to tweak as you go.
If you have favorite compressor settings or want to share tips, please leave a comment below. Audio editing is a journey, and learning together helps us all improve.