Technology Review of Dynamic Range Compression

Abstract

Compressors and limiters are audio hardware / software devices, which fall under the broader category of dynamics processors. In their various forms, they find use in all aspects of sound production and system engineering. They produce at their output a copy of the input with some level dependent gain attenuation applied. The user typically has some control over the amount of attenuation and the manner in which it is applied. This report will cover the various forms and uses of these devices, along with an investigation of the mathematical basis upon which one may emulate an analogue hardware compressor in a programming environment.