Dynamics processors – often overused and sometimes misunderstood – can make or break mixing and mastering projects. This book goes beyond explaining how dynamics processors work by giving essential tips on how their proper application can help make better music. Written in a clear, practical, non-intimidating style, topics include how to apply limiters, compressors, noise gates, expanders, maximizers, saturation, and multiband dynamics, whether in hardware or software form.

Loaded with examples of real-world dynamics processors to explain their similarities and differences, How to Apply Dynamics Processing ventures further than similar books by covering dynamics processing with MIDI data, as well as “manual” dynamics processing done with recording software (phrase-by-phrase normalization for narration, “micro-mastering” to allow greater apparent volume when mastering, parallel dynamics, and more). There's also valuable information on how to achieve the most transparent effects possible, creative uses of sidechaining, and how to use creative “squashing” as an effect to obtain “vintage” compression sounds.

Chock full of illustrations and featuring selected “tech talk” sidebars to give details on specific topics for those who want to know “why” as well as “how ” How to Apply Dynamics Processing tells everything today's musicians need to get the most out of these versatile processors.