Gates, Compression & Dynamics
Control noise and peaks with gates and compressors — thresholds, ratio, attack, release, makeup — without killing life in the mix.
Learning objectives
- Set a gate that cleans toms/vocals without chopping words
- Explain compressor controls in one sentence each
- Compress vocals and bass for consistency
- Use a bus compressor/limiter to protect the stream
Gates — close the door on bleed
A gate mutes (or reduces) a channel when signal falls below threshold. Great for toms and sometimes guitars; dangerous on preacher mics if set tight.
- Threshold — where it opens.
- Range — how much it attenuates when closed.
- Attack/Hold/Release — how fast it opens/stays/closes.
Over-gated speaking mics create “walkie-talkie” tails and missing consonants. Prefer careful EQ + disciplined stage volume for speech.
Compression — even out performance
| Control | Meaning | Live starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | Level where compression starts | So peaks kiss GR 3–6 dB on vocals |
| Ratio | How hard it squeezes | 2:1–4:1 vocals; higher for utility/bass |
| Attack | How fast it engages | Medium; too fast kills punch |
| Release | How fast it lets go | Auto or medium; avoid pumping |
| Makeup | Gain after reduction | Match perceived loudness when comparing |
Listen for: more consistent vocal, tighter bass, controlled slap. Bad signs: breathing/pumping, dull transients, “squashed” band.
Protect the livestream
Put a dedicated compressor/limiter on the stream bus/matrix. Goal: prevent viral distortion when someone yells “Amen!” into a hot mic.
- Gentle comp for glue
- Safety limiter ceiling (never clip the iD14)
- Don’t rely on limiter to fix terrible channel gains
Lab — see gain reduction
- Compress a vocal to ~3–6 dB GR on peaks; A/B with makeup matched.
- Gate a tom: open on hits, closed on bleed, no cutoff of ring you want.
- Add stream bus limiter; test with a sudden shout without iD14 clipping.
Video tutorials
Curated watch-list. If an embed is unavailable, use the YouTube link — then come back and do the lab. Watching without the lab is only half-training.
How To Use A Compressor (Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release)
Audio University — learn every control, then hear gain reduction on a vocal.
Compression Tutorial for Live Sound (Worship Context)
Live-focused threshold/ratio/attack/release in plain language.
Prove it
Module quiz
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