AES Section Meeting Reports

Drexel University, Studio One, Neve 5088 Console

Meeting Topic: Compression - How to Hear It, So You Can Better Use It

Moderator Name: Felicia Doggett - Metropolitan Acoustics, Philadelphia Section Chair - Acoustical Society of America

Speaker Name: Alex Case - Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator - Sound Recording Technology, Univ of Lowell, MA

Meeting Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia

Summary

Alex Case; educator, acoustic consultant, recording engineer, author and past president of AES presented a deep dive into how compression parameters (particularly attack and release time) can alter the timbre of an instrument, thus allowing compression to be "heard" as something more than simply a reduction or smoothing of dynamic range. Audio examples were played illustrating the phenomena to help audience members calibrate their ability to perceive this alternative/pseudo form of EQ. The program was presented in Drexel's new state of the art recording studio facility (anchored by a Neve 5088 console) making the listening experience most enjoyable. As with many Philly AES Section gathering it was a combined meeting with our colleagues from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and audio engineering students from the university community.

Written By: Chip Powell (Philly AES Section Chair)

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