In this Free Expert Tutorial for Production Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey visits Dax Liniere at North London's Puzzle Factory Studio to talk about compressors and how to get the best out of them. Dax also demonstrates a novel use of a compressor to reduce the volume of one element in a track without affecting the groove or feel of the track.

Dax starts by explaining the basics of how a compressor works including the main controls that you likely to find on most of the common compressors that come with your DAW. He explains what the controls do and how they affect the sound that is being processed. 

Dax then goes on to demonstrate one particular use of a compressor to tame an overly loud snare drum in a mix without affecting the other instruments and vocal in the track.

The video features the music of Leanne Castley with a song called What I Missed which is available now on iTunes and all good music streaming sites.

If you want to find out more about Dax check out the Mix Direction website or checkout our Podcast Extra Interview with Dax where he talks about his introduction to music and recording, moving to the UK and his new Puzzle Factory Studios.