Audio Samples | arcompressor

Applying Compression

We made it! Below are six different compressed versions of our sample acoustic guitar track, listed alongside both the original and a MATLAB visualization of the original signal, compressed signal, and difference between the two. We have also included a few subjective comments on how the compressors sound to our ears.

After you have given each compression algorithm a listen, continue through the technical tutorial to hear our favorite compressor on different source material and with different settings. At the conclusion of the tutorial you will be able to download our MATLAB compressor which can implement any one of our six algorithms on any of our three sample audio tracks. You will also be able to download the FFR20 as a VST for use in your Digital Audio Workstation!

Feedforward Return to Zero

Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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FFR20 Guitar - Sample Audio

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Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

Comments:

Some digital artifacts and distortion present due to the release envelope continuity

Figure 1: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FFR20

Figure 2: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FFR2T

Comments:

Slightly more rounded sound that reduces peaks while not color the compressed version significantly

Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

FFR2T Guitar - Sample Audio

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Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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Feedforward Return to Threshold

Feedforward Log Domain

Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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FFLog Guitar - Sample Audio

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Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

Figure 3: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FFLog

Comments:

A smooth and pleasant sound more reminiscent of analog compressors than the other topologies

Feedback Return to Zero

Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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FBR20 Guitar - Sample Audio

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Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

Comments:

Similar character to the FFR20 but with additional punchiness - listen for it on the peaks

Figure 4: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FBR20

Feedback Return to Threshold

Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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FBR2T Guitar - Sample Audio

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Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

Comments:

Smoother roll off than FFR2T with an extra bump to the peaks

Figure 5: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FBR2T

Feedback Log Domain

Acoustic Guitar - Sample Audio

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FBLog Guitar - Sample Audio

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Compressor Parameters:

Threshold: -15 dB
Ratio: 5
Attack: 0.05s
Release: 0.5s

Comments:

Slighly brighter than the feedforward version of this topology, again with additional punchiness

Figure 6: Original, Compressed, and Difference signals for Guitar using FBLog

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