URM Academy Fast Track Hearing Compression

I’ve been a producer/mixer since 2003 and I’m thrilled to be your guide throughout this Fast Track.

I’ve worked with bands like Machine Head, Blessthefall, and Vinyl Theater among many many others. I typically mix and master up to 60 songs a month!

I’m also the co-founder of both Drumforge, a premium quality virtual drum instrument, and the URM Academy, which is educating the next generation of audio professionals.

When I got started mixing I quickly realized that if I wanted to be able to work with a high number of clients, and earn an income that allowed me to live my dream lifestyle while enjoying myself the whole time, I needed to develop a workflow that was efficient, effective, and very quick.

For the longest time, pulling out a compressor meant the opposite of an efficient workflow, because I had no idea what I was supposed to do with it. I had read about what a compressor did, and I understood what the parameters meant on paper. However, how those parameters actually affected the sounds I was hearing remained a total mystery to me.

In my opinion, compression is one of the most important of all your mixing tools. It doesn’t have to be a cryptic mythical beast that you don’t understand. Once I learned how to hear compression, my mixing life changed. For the better!

In this Fast Track I will show you exactly what to listen for, and how to use what you’re hearing in order to make great compression choices.

Ready?

Let’s get started!

Joel Wanasek
Co-founder
Urm Academy