{"id":28178,"date":"2022-10-31T07:00:04","date_gmt":"2022-10-31T11:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/?p=28178"},"modified":"2026-11-13T00:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T05:53:10","slug":"what-is-upward-compression-and-why-you-need-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/what-is-upward-compression-and-why-you-need-it\/","title":{"rendered":"WTF is Upward Compression (and why you NEED IT!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>WTF is Upward Compression (and why you NEED it)<\/h2>\n<p>You might have heard the term &#8220;<strong>upward compression<\/strong>&#8221; before, but what does it actually mean? And <strong>why is it so important when mixing music in your home studio?<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>What &#8220;Compression&#8221; Really Means<\/h3>\n<p>Anytime we say the word &#8220;compression&#8221; we mean that the dynamic range of audio is being reduced either by turning down the loud parts or by increasing the quieter sounds.<\/p>\n<p>Turning down the loud parts is called DOWNWARD compression. When we turn up the quietest parts without affecting the loud parts, that is called UPWARD compression.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The overall effect of compression is that the volume of the track is more consistent.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is an essential tool for mixing music, as it helps to keep sounds from jumping out of a mix by controlling peaks &#8211; but each method has a UNIQUE sound.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not sure how to use upward compression when mixing your music, don&#8217;t worry. <strong>In the video below, I&#8217;ll walk you through everything you need to know.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"rpo rpo-inline\" id=\"rpo-optin_11-1\" data-rpo-form=\"optin_11\" data-rpo-rest=\"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/rpo\/v1\/\" data-rpo-ts=\"0x4AAAAAAF6v0pb5pNfz87oP\"><img class=\"rpo-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Compression-101-guide-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"994\" height=\"1420\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><div class=\"rpo-body\"><div class=\"rpo-title\" id=\"rpo-optin_11-1-t\"><h2><span>Grab My FREE Compression 101 Guide!\u00a0<br \/><\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"rpo-message\"><p><span>Get your FREE super helpful guide that teaches you everything you need to know about compression to make better, punchier mixes!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span>Including:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span>\ud83d\udca5 An <strong>understandable explanation<\/strong> for all the knobs on a compressor<\/span><br \/>\ud83d\udca5<span>\u00a0Great <strong>starting points<\/strong> for different instruments<\/span><br \/><span>\ud83d\udca5 How to <strong>hear a compressor and movement<\/strong><\/span><br \/><span>\ud83d\udca5 <strong>What to listen for<\/strong> when using a compressor<\/span><br \/><span>\ud83d\udca5 Strategies to <strong>dial in perfect compression<\/strong><br \/><\/span><\/p><\/div><form class=\"rpo-form\" method=\"post\" action=\"#\" novalidate><div class=\"rpo-field\"><label class=\"rpo-sr\" for=\"rpo-optin_11-1-e\">Email<\/label><input type=\"email\" id=\"rpo-optin_11-1-e\" name=\"email\" placeholder=\"Email\" autocomplete=\"email\" inputmode=\"email\" autocapitalize=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" required><\/div><div class=\"rpo-hp\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><label for=\"rpo-optin_11-1-w\">Website<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"rpo-optin_11-1-w\" name=\"website\" tabindex=\"-1\" autocomplete=\"off\"><\/div><button type=\"submit\" class=\"rpo-btn\">GET FREE GUIDE!<\/button><div class=\"rpo-ts\"><\/div><\/form><div class=\"rpo-status\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/div><div class=\"rpo-footer\"><p>Don't worry - I will only send you information about how to make your music sound amazing. I take this stuff seriously and will NEVER sell your info. You have my word \ud83d\udc4d<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u231aTIMESTAMPS\u231a<\/strong><br \/>\n00:00 &#8211; What is Upward Compression<br \/>\n00:38 &#8211; Download My Free Compression 101 eBook!<br \/>\n01:03 &#8211; What is Compression in Audio?<br \/>\n02:17 &#8211; Another Way to Do Compression<br \/>\n02:34 &#8211; Difference Between Downward and Upward Compression<br \/>\n03:50 &#8211; Demonstration of Upward and Downward Compression<br \/>\n05:41 &#8211; The Sound of Upward Compression<br \/>\n06:46 &#8211; When to Use Downwards and Upwards Compression<br \/>\n07:21 &#8211; Compression on Drums<br \/>\n08:15 &#8211; 3 Reasons Why I Use Upwards Compression<br \/>\n09:28 &#8211; Downside of Upwards Compression<br \/>\n09:50 &#8211; Multiband Upwards Compression<br \/>\n10:20 &#8211; Don&#8217;t Forget Your FREE Gift!<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"WTF is Upward Compression (and why you NEED IT!)\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3mVSP6lBFaI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>Like this video?<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"et_pb_button_module_wrapper et_pb_button_0_wrapper et_pb_button_alignment_center et_pb_module \" style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"et_pb_button et_pb_button_0 et_pb_bg_layout_dark\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/raytownproductions?sub_confirmation=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel!<\/a><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udc49 UPDATE 11\/22\/22 &#8211; There was a slight mistake in the video. See this video for the correction and even more helpful tricks: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/MYUw_2-IOHg\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">youtu.be\/MYUw_2-IOHg<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5PLUGINS\ud83d\udca5<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd17 Waves &#8211; C1 Compressor: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/37e93rA\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/37e93rA<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5COURSES\ud83d\udca5<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udd2cLearn to Edit Your Guitar\/Drums\/Bass\/Vocals Like a Pro: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vQ4dg4\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/3vQ4dg4<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udd2cComplete Home Studio Mastering Course (Rock &amp; Metal)<br \/>\n\ud83d\udcb010% OFF: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3q5HGZr\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/3q5HGZr<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5LET&#8217;S WORK TOGETHER\ud83d\udca5<br \/>\nGet a customized mixing and mastering package for your music!<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd0a <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2y1T78h\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/2y1T78h<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5MY GEAR\ud83d\udca5<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd0aStudio Monitors &#8211; Genelec 8030c: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3ehDq2N\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/3ehDq2N<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udcf7Sony ZV-1 Camera: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3rqG2ma\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amzn.to\/3rqG2ma<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83c\udf99Shure Beta 57 Microphone (Video): <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3prXseo\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amzn.to\/3prXseo<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udddcBoom Stand for Mic: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2YYjn0O\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amzn.to\/2YYjn0O<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udca1Ring Light: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2Yj6qzB\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amzn.to\/2Yj6qzB<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5SOCIAL\ud83d\udca5<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udd17 Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/raytownproductions\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">facebook.com\/raytownproductions<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udcf7 Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/raytownproductions\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">instagram.com\/raytownproductions<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udca5CONNECT\ud83d\udca5<br \/>\n\ud83d\udc4b Private FB Community: <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/hsftgroup\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bit.ly\/hsftgroup<\/a><br \/>\n\u2b50 Blog: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\">www.raytownproductions.com\/blog<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udce7 Contact: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/#contact\">raytownproductions.com\/#contact<\/a><br \/>\n\ud83d\udc99 Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\" class=\"autohyperlink\" target=\"_blank\">www.raytownproductions.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Please help support this channel! Some of the links are affiliate links which doesn&#8217;t cost you anything extra. At the same time, I also receive a small tip from each sale (basically like buying me a cup of coffee \u2615 for helping you out with these high-quality videos).<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s a win win, and I very much appreciate it \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re not sure how to use upward compression when mixing your music (or what it even means), don&#8217;t worry! I&#8217;ll walk you through everything you need to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28337,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[24,241],"class_list":["post-28178","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tutorials","tag-compression","tag-upward-compression","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28178","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28178"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28178\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29676,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28178\/revisions\/29676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28178"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28178"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.raytownproductions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28178"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}