Glossary → Audio engineering
Audio engineering

Compression (dynamics)

A compressor automatically reduces the level of loud moments, narrowing the gap between quiet and loud so speech stays consistently audible.

Podcast voices are compressed so listeners in cars and kitchens never reach for the volume. Overdone, it pumps and breathes; the goal for speech is transparency — a few decibels of gentle control.

Not to be confused with data compression (MP3) — same word, unrelated concept.

Related terms

Dynamic rangeDynamic range is the span between the quietest and loudest parts of audio — of a performance, a recording, or … LimiterA limiter is a compressor with an effectively absolute ceiling, guaranteeing audio never exceeds a set peak le… Loudness normalizationLoudness normalization adjusts audio to a target perceived loudness, measured in LUFS, rather than to peak lev…

Frequently asked

What is Compression?

A compressor automatically reduces the level of loud moments, narrowing the gap between quiet and loud so speech stays consistently audible.

Why does Compression matter?

Podcast voices are compressed so listeners in cars and kitchens never reach for the volume. Overdone, it pumps and breathes; the goal for speech is transparency — a few decibels of gentle control.

What terms are related to Compression?

Closely related concepts: Dynamic range, Limiter, Loudness normalization — each has its own entry in this glossary.