The Art of Compression

by Thomas Juth, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Compression is one of the most powerful yet misunderstood tools in mixing. Beginners often struggle to hear what it’s doing, while intermediate mixers may find themselves using it without full confidence. The Art of Compression is designed to bridge that gap—offering a clear, no-nonsense approach to compression that will help you make smarter, more creative mixing decisions.

Instead of overwhelming you with technical jargon, this book breaks down compression in simple terms, showing

The different types of compressors and their unique tonesHow to set attack and release times to shape sounds naturallyPractical step-by-step compression techniques for vocals, drums, and mix bus processingTricks like parallel compression, M/S compression, and multiband compressionWhen not to use compression—and why less is often moreMore than just a technical guide, The Art of Compression—like the entire Art of Mixing series—takes a philosophical perspective on mixing. It’s not just about the tools; it’s about developing your ears, trusting your instincts, and understanding the emotional impact of sound. Whether you're just starting out or already mixing with confidence, this book will help you refine your skills and develop a deeper understanding of compression as a creative tool. If you've ever felt unsure about how to dial in compression without overthinking, The Art of Compression will finally make it click.

Genres: Music

Audible Audio

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short read, giving tips and tricks on how to use compressors to improve your mixing skills. I read this all the through, took me just under an hour and although it is short I plan to read it again to force my mind to remember all the details.

[Troy Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Gave a good understanding of the way that compression can be used for achieving specific goals within a mix. I really enjoyed the metaphor of compression being like adding spice when cooking.

[Michel Barbachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enriquecedor

Al punto y directo sobre los conceptos a manejar cuando se trabajen con compresores en el mundo del audio.

Sugiere algunos plugins muy buenos a considerar en nuestros daws de audio

[Stephanie JNote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2

Reading it made me step into the studio, remove every plugin and start from scratch again. Let’s just say that the song sounds 1000 times better. Thankful. Onto equalization.

[Pierre Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Very well
put together. Helped me truly understand compression. I would definitely recommend this to everyone I know that makes music.

[Daniel Kennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information

Thomas Juth has done a great job explaining the different uses for using compression and how to apply them to your mix

[Rollie T Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok but not great

Not what I was looking for but that's more my fault than this book's. A novice, I need more illustrations than descriptions.