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1.9 Dynamic Processing

Compressor Curve Practice

Draw and analyse transfer curves

Draw the Curve

Draw the compressor response curve for these settings:

Threshold
-30 dB
Ratio
10:1
Knee
Hard
Makeup Gain
10 dB

Drawing Tips

  • Below the threshold the curve follows a 1:1 slope (no compression).
  • At the threshold the hard knee creates a sharp angle where the slope changes.
  • Above the threshold a higher ratio means a flatter slope.
  • Makeup gain shifts the entire curve upward.
  • Keep the curve continuous — avoid breaks or jumps.

What you learned

  • Draw an accurate compressor transfer curve from given threshold, ratio, and makeup gain values
  • Identify threshold, ratio, and makeup gain by reading a compressor transfer curve
  • Explain how makeup gain shifts the entire transfer curve upward
  • Recognise the change in slope at the threshold point on a hard-knee curve
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