Compressing with PopMute

Special Interest Groups Audio Processing
1

I learned of someone who uses Steve’s PopMute effect with certain settings as a compressor for voice recordings – two or three times, alternating with amplification to a 0 dB peak.

Is this a surprising unintended use?

I use Compressor with certain settings and have been avoiding the temptation to experiment, but I may try out this curious method. Automating the repeated PopMute and amplify loop for my friend should be easy.

I am not sure what I want to listen for, to tell bad from good or very good results.

2

It’s an unintended use, but not hugely surprising. Users frequently find novel ways to do things. My attitude is “if it works for you, do it” :slight_smile:
My guess is that he is using it as a kind of “Limiter”.

3

Said she disliked what Limiter itself did.

I don’t know if she really tried out Compressor.

Then there is Chris’s which I haven’t yet tried at all. I don’t know how it surpasses Compressor.

4

If you mean the built-in “Leveler” effect, then I completely agree. I’ve campaigned for that effect to be replaced for years!
The problem with the built-in “Leveler” effect is that it is not really a Limiter, it is a Wave Shaper (AKA a distortion effect).

I’d suggest that she tries this Limiter: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Nyquist_Effect_Plug-ins#Limiter_.282.29

5

I meant Leveler, that’s what she dislikes.

I just see the manual says “use Compressor instead” and I have never tried it.

6

I guessed that and followed suit in calling it “Limiter” :blush: I’ve now corrected my previous post to say “Leveler”.

7

The built-in “Compressor” effect is a bit quirky, (dynamic compressors frequently are), but can produce good results. You’ll need to play with it to get a feel for it, but it is reasonably well documented in the manual.

8

I set and forgot a while ago, now I’m learning what I do isn’t what others do. Too many options can be paralyzing!

I recall Compressed base on Peaks sounded really bad to me, but of course, in combination with what? I forget. Now I learn others do recommend that.

9

Compression is one affect that would greatly benefit from “real time preview” (so that you can twiddle the controls while listening).