If you are still a little confused by compressors, maybe using a Transient Shaper will be easier.
A transient shaper is a tool that allows you to change the attack (front portion) and release (end portion) of a sound.
It is particularly useful for drums but can be used on other ‘transient’ material - relatively quick sound events.
It functions like a compressor, however, it operates the same regardless of the volume of the input. They are usually a lot more simple to use as well, with less controls.
Transient shapers allow you to boost or reduce the gain of the attack or release.
Some also allow you to change the length of the attack and release.
Here are a few use cases:
Increase Attack: Make punchier kick drums or snare drums.
Reduce Attack: Reduce the amount of pick sound on plucked strings.
Increase Release: Make longer, boomier 808s.
Reduce Release: Reduce the amount of reverb tail on a percussive hit.
In Logic Pro the transient shaper is actually called the Enveloper, and can be found under Audio FX > Dynamics.
If you want to master more tools like this in Logic Pro 11 to make incredible music - I made this course to help you do so.
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