Negative Ratio Compression: The Overlooked Trick for Punch and Snap
Negative ratio compression can be a useful way to add punch and movement without making drums sound obviously compressed.
With a regular compressor, the output level still rises after the signal crosses the threshold, just at a reduced rate. For example, with a 4:1 ratio, every 4 dB above the threshold produces a 1 dB increase at the output.
A negative ratio behaves differently. Once the signal crosses the threshold, louder peaks are pushed downward. Combined with the right attack and release settings, this can create a focused transient effect. A slightly slower attack allows the initial snap of the hit to pass through, while the compressor clamps down on the portion of the signal that follows.
This can work especially well on drums. On a snare, it can bring out punch while keeping ghost notes intact. On hi-hats, it can emphasize accents and make the groove feel more dynamic.
The effect can become extreme at fully wet settings, so parallel blending is often the best approach. Adding some of the dry signal back in helps preserve the natural character of the performance.
In the video, the technique is used on a drum loop before adding saturation, EQ, glue compression, and tape coloration.
