Compressor Node

A versatile dynamics processor with multiple compression styles, sidechain filtering, and look-ahead capability.

Overview

Property	Value
Category	Effects / Dynamics
Version	1
Inputs	L, R (audio)
Outputs	L, R (audio)

Modes

Mode	Description	Character
Clean	Transparent digital compression	Neutral, precise
Vintage	Classic analog-style response	Warm, colored
Punch	Fast attack preservation	Transient-friendly
Glue	Bus compression character	Cohesive, musical
Limiting	Brick-wall style	Aggressive, protective

Parameters

Compression

Parameter	Range	Default	Description
Threshold	-60dB - 0dB	-20dB	Level where compression begins
Ratio	1:1 - 20:1	4:1	Compression ratio
Attack	0.1ms - 100ms	10ms	Attack time
Release	10ms - 1000ms	100ms	Release time
Knee	0dB - 12dB	3dB	Soft knee width

Output

Parameter	Range	Default	Description
Makeup Gain	-12dB - +24dB	0dB	Output gain compensation
Mix	0% - 100%	100%	Parallel compression blend

Sidechain

Parameter	Range	Default	Description
SC Filter	Off/Low/Mid/High	Off	Sidechain frequency focus
SC Freq	20Hz - 20kHz	100Hz	Filter frequency

Advanced

Parameter	Range	Default	Description
Look-ahead	0ms - 10ms	0ms	Anticipation time
Auto Makeup	On/Off	Off	Automatic gain compensation

Visualizer

The Gain Reduction Visualizer shows:

• Real-time gain reduction amount (dB)
• Compression activity over time
• Threshold indicator

Tips

• Use Punch mode on drums to preserve transients
• Glue mode works great on mix buses
• Enable Look-ahead for transparent limiting-style compression
• Use Mix for parallel (New York) compression
• SC Filter set to “High” prevents bass from triggering compression

Example Presets

Vocal Leveling

• Mode: Clean
• Threshold: -18dB
• Ratio: 3:1
• Attack: 15ms
• Release: 150ms
• Knee: 6dB

Drum Bus Glue

• Mode: Glue
• Threshold: -12dB
• Ratio: 2:1
• Attack: 30ms
• Release: 200ms
• Mix: 70%

Parallel Punch

• Mode: Punch
• Threshold: -30dB
• Ratio: 8:1
• Attack: 1ms
• Release: 50ms
• Mix: 30%