Audio Compressor Settings Calculator
Enter your compressor settings to instantly see gain reduction, output level, and makeup gain recommendations for any mix scenario.
Compressor Settings
dBFS
Peak or RMS level of the signal entering the compressor.
dBFS
Level above which compression begins.
:1
For every n dB over threshold, 1 dB passes through. 1:1 = no compression; ∞:1 = limiting.
dB
0 = hard knee. Higher values apply a soft knee for a more gradual transition.
ms
ms
Quick Presets
Compression Results
Gain Reduction
—
dB
Output Level
—
dBFS
Makeup Gain
—
dB
Over Threshold
—
dB
Gain Reduction Meter
0 dB
0 dB
−30 dB
Signal Path Breakdown
| Input Level | — |
| Threshold | — |
| Amount Over Threshold | — |
| Ratio | — |
| Knee Width | — |
| Gain Reduction | — |
| Compressed Output | — |
| Recommended Makeup Gain | — |
| Final Level (after makeup) | — |
Summary
Enter your compressor settings to instantly see gain reduction, output level, and makeup gain recommendations for any mix scenario.
How it works
- Enter the peak or RMS input level of your signal in dBFS.
- Set the threshold: signals above this level will be compressed.
- Choose a compression ratio (e.g. 4:1 means 4 dB over threshold becomes 1 dB).
- Enter attack and release times to understand how quickly the compressor responds.
- The calculator shows gain reduction, compressed output level, and recommended makeup gain.
- Adjust settings interactively and watch the results update in real time.
Use cases
- Dial in a vocal compressor before tracking to avoid clipping.
- Calculate makeup gain after heavy compression on a drum bus.
- Learn how ratio and threshold interact when teaching compression.
- Check whether a compressor setting will leave adequate headroom for the master bus.
- Compare gentle (2:1) vs. limiting (10:1) ratios on the same signal.
- Verify that attack/release times are appropriate for the BPM and genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2026-07-01 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu