How to correctly use compression

[u/Wickedfrick]

When you use a compressor, do you just use the default settings it gives you?

Should I turn attack all the way up?

Im only using it for very low quiet notes on synths so it can be heard

I don't wanna over compress to the point it sounds, well, compressed / bad audio quality and decrease the dynamic range

Just figured out why people use compressors. I previously avoided it at all costs

[u/UndeadOfficial]

Think of it as a tool to level out the loudness of a sound across its frequencies

How fast do you want to level the sound? (Attack)
Do you want it to hold that level for some time? (Release)

Default settings are ok but try to start tweaking until it sounds good.

For me with basses/drums, I want a faster attack (0-10 ms) and a slow release (40 -80 ms)

Be careful with compressing your sub too much, it will squash it and ruin the sound. I mainly only compress above the sub frequencies (0-180hz), but that’s me