Mixing guide / Dynamics / FBK Compressor
Likely freeKnob names: typical (standard compressor controls)

FBK Compressor

An automatic hand on the volume fader.

The same job as DIGI Comp with the standard compressor controls: evens out loud and quiet words.

Use it when some words jump out while others disappear under the music.
Threshold
Loud words poking above the line get pushed down. The whole vocal becomes more even, then makeup gain lifts it back up.
Your voice afterBefore / removed

Every knob, in plain words

Threshold

dB

The volume line where it starts working. Anything louder gets turned down.

Turn it upHigher (closer to 0): only the very loudest moments get touched. Very natural.
Turn it downLower: almost everything gets squashed. Denser, flatter, more “in your face”.

Ratio

e.g. 4:1

How hard it pushes down. At 4:1, going 4 dB over the line comes out only 1 dB over.

Turn it up8:1 and above: very controlled and flat, almost a limiter.
Turn it down1.5:1–2:1: gentle and natural.

Attack

ms

How quickly it grabs a loud word.

Turn it upSlower (10–30 ms): the start of each word gets through. Punchier, more energy.
Turn it downFaster (1–5 ms): catches everything. Smoother, but can sound dull or squashed.

Release

ms

How quickly it lets go when you get quieter.

Turn it upSlower (100–200 ms): smooth and even, but can “pump” (audibly breathe).
Turn it downFaster (30–50 ms): lively and upfront, but can sound jumpy.

Makeup Gain

dB

Gives back the volume that compression took away.

Turn it upLouder overall. Careful: louder always sounds “better” at first.
Turn it downQuieter overall.

Start here for vocals

  1. Ratio 3:1–4:1, Attack about 10–20 ms, Release about 50–100 ms.
  2. Lower Threshold until the loudest words are turned down about 3–6 dB.
  3. Raise Makeup Gain until it is as loud as when bypassed, then compare.

Too much? Listen for…

  • The voice sounds flat, lifeless or “squeezed”.
  • Breaths and mouth clicks suddenly get loud.
  • The volume audibly pumps up and down between words.
  • Crunchy edges on loud notes: the attack is too fast.

Try it in 2 minutes

  1. Loop one line of your mains.
  2. Turn one knob all the way, then back. Hear what changed.
  3. Settle somewhere gentle.
  4. Click the power button to compare before and after, at the same volume.

See the recipes table for per-layer settings.