Question

Is there anyway to boost a sounds signal without distortion? I'm trying to make my drums punch but I can't find a way to do it.

you can use a compressor (even the Akai compressors) to raise the apparent volume up while keeping the peak volume level the same. The other way might be to turn down other tracks to allow your drums more space to cut thru.

Try to do some high pass filtering on other sounds. This will give some room for your kick drums in the mix.

I usually do, but I really want them to punch. I use compression but I don't really know how to use it. I get the jist but I'm no master. Maybe you guys could give me some pointers on how to compress better?

NewbMpcGuy wrote:I usually do, but I really want them to punch. I use compression but I don't really know how to use it. I get the jist but I'm no master. Maybe you guys could give me some pointers on how to compress better?

It can get a little complicated to explain but I'll try to point out a couple of things that may be helpful. First off, when you're compressing something A/B it to make sure the level of the compressed sound is close to the same level it was before it was compressed, I think that is the main thing that confuses people because if you use a compressor and the output of that compressor is louder than the input sound then people tend to listen to the increased volume instead of listening for balance in dynamic volume and the change in tone (compressors usually change the tone of the sound slightly). Secondly, for beginners I would say choose a compressor and then choose a preset that matches what you intend to use it for (i.e. Kick, snare, bass, ect.) and start off by only adjusting the threshold lower and lower until you hear it controlling the dynamic range of the volume, adjust to taste (maybe back off a little, remember to adjust the output level to match input volume level), if it's not sounding exactly how you want like if it's sounding kind of dull then adjust the attack increasing the attack time until it no longer sounds dull (adjust to taste), if the compressed signal is sounding like it's pumping (in a strange way) or sounding squashed or clamped then adjust the release time until it starts to sound closer to what you want. You may have to readjust and re-tweak the three controls until you get it sounding the way you want. Those are the 3 most important controls on the compressor and that should give you a good start until you research and learn how to use a compressor. One thing to add, a compressor may be the most difficult effect to master and it requires practice but matching input/output levels is crucial.

Another compressor tip, start with the threshold all the way so you can hear the effect. When you dial it in back off the threshold.