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Compression on Vocals in Logic Pro -

Vocals are one of the most important elements of any song, and compression is key to ensuring they sit perfectly in the mix. Logic Pro provides multiple powerful compressor plugins, each with its own flavor!

Logic offers seven different compressor models, each simulating iconic hardware compressors. Here’s how to use them and what they bring to your vocal track:

Platinum Digital Compressor

Clean and transparent

Best For - Pop, acoustic, singer-songwriter, or anytime you want the vocals to sound natural without too much coloration.

This is a great go-to if you want a compressor that does its job without adding noticeable color. It maintains clarity, giving vocals a polished, professional feel without altering the tonal characteristics.

Studio VCA Compressor

Tight and controlled

Best For - Punchy vocals in rock, pop, or electronic music where you need precision and control.

Known for its ability to clamp down on dynamics while still allowing vocals to punch through the mix, the VCA is excellent for controlling aggressive vocal performances.

Studio FET Compressor

Bright and aggressive

Best For - Rock, rap, or any genre where you want the vocals to have attitude and grit.

Modeled after the famous 1176 compressor, the FET adds energy and excitement to vocals. It works great for taming dynamic vocals while also giving them some bite.

Vintage VCA Compressor

Smooth and warm

Best For - Pop, soul, or R&B vocals where you want smoothness and a bit of color.

This model is based on the famous SSL bus compressor and is known for adding a touch of warmth and glue to your vocals.

Vintage FET Compressor

Fat and punchy

Best For - Vocals that need to stand out in busy, dense mixes like rock or electronic music.

This vintage model delivers a punchier tone compared to the modern FET, while still controlling the dynamics effectively. It adds weight and thickness to the vocals.

Vintage Opto Compressor

Smooth and slow

Best For - Ballads, jazz, or genres where you want a more laid-back, natural vocal sound.

This model mimics the LA-2A, which is famous for its slow, gentle compression. It’s ideal for controlling vocal dynamics subtly while adding warmth.

Classic VCA Compressor

Punchy with color

Best For - Any genre where you want the vocals to have a vintage, analog feel.

The classic VCA is a more colorful and punchy version of the Studio VCA, often used in rock or vintage-sounding pop. It gives vocals a thick, punchy quality.

General Compression Tips for Vocals

Lower the threshold until you see about 3-5 dB of gain reduction during the loudest parts.

For vocals, a ratio between 2:1 and 4:1 is typical, depending on how dynamic the performance is.

Faster attack times (1-10ms) work well for catching peaks quickly, while slower attacks (10-30ms) can let more of the initial transient through, which is good for a more natural sound.

Start with a medium release and adjust based on the vocal’s natural rhythm. A fast release will bring back the quiet parts sooner, adding energy, while a slower release will smooth things out.

Make sure you LISTEN to the audio and adjust your settings accordingly.

ONE VOCAL WILL USE THE EXACT SAME SETTINGS AS ANOTHER!!!

If you need help with mixing your track or would like a professional ear on your vocal chain, feel free to check out my online portfolio, and reach out! first song is mixed for free, always!

Replying to Nëïgsëndöïg

I was actually thinking of doing a podcast where I answer people's questions on alternative tech, music and gaming, and I might potentially consider using Ardour (my DAW) to do just that.