# Audio Compressor Apply dynamic range compression with configurable threshold, ratio, attack/release, and makeup gain > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-compressor - **Category:** Media - **Keywords:** audio, compressor, dynamics, loudness ## Overview This audio compressor tool applies dynamic range compression to audio files, allowing you to reduce volume variations by adjusting threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain parameters for consistent loudness. ## Inputs - **Audio File** (file): Select an audio file - **Threshold (dB)** (number): -18 - **Ratio** (number): 2.5 - **Attack (ms)** (number): 10 - **Release (ms)** (number): 100 - **Makeup Gain (dB)** (number): 0 - **Output Format** (select) ## When to use - When you need to reduce dynamic range in audio recordings for more even volume levels. - When preparing audio for broadcast or streaming to comply with loudness standards. - When enhancing vocals or instruments by controlling peaks and boosting quieter parts. ## How it works - Upload your audio file in a supported format like MP3, WAV, or AAC. - Set compression parameters: threshold (dB), ratio, attack time (ms), release time (ms), and makeup gain (dB). - Select the output format and process the file to apply compression. - Download the compressed audio file with reduced dynamic range. ## Use cases - Podcast editing to level out voice volumes across different speakers and segments. - Music production for mastering tracks with controlled dynamics and increased loudness. - Voiceover processing to minimize sudden volume spikes and ensure clear, consistent audio. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is dynamic range compression? It reduces the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal for more consistent volume. ### What does the threshold parameter control? Threshold sets the audio level in dB above which compression is applied to the signal. ### How does the ratio affect compression? Ratio determines the amount of compression; a 4:1 ratio means signals above the threshold are reduced to one-fourth of their original level. ### What are attack and release times? Attack time is how quickly compression starts after exceeding the threshold; release time is how quickly it stops when the signal drops below. ### Why is makeup gain used? Makeup gain boosts the overall audio level after compression to compensate for volume reduction and achieve desired loudness. ## Related tools - [Audio Deverb Lite](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-deverb-lite): Light de-reverb using EQ, compression, and denoise - [Audio Multi-band Compressor](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-multi-band-compressor): Apply compression to specific frequency bands (3-band crossover + compressors) - [Audio Podcast Intro/Outro Ducker](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-podcast-intro-outro-ducker): Automatically duck a music bed under voice/dialogue using sidechain compression, with fade-in/out templates for intros and outros. - [Audio Podcast Mastering Chain](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-podcast-mastering-chain): Apply a configurable podcast mastering chain: high-pass, denoise, de-ess, compression, EQ tilt, LUFS normalization, and true-peak limiting. - [Video Bitrate Changer](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/video-bitrate-changer): Change video and audio bitrate with preset values or custom settings, supporting both CBR and VBR modes - [Audio Broadcast DRC](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-drc-broadcast): Broadcast-style dynamics chain (gate → compressor → limiter) - [Convert GIF to WebM](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/gif-to-webm): Convert GIF images to WebM video format with modern compression and web optimization - [MP3 to WAV Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/mp3-to-wav): Convert MP3 audio to uncompressed WAV with optional resampling and channel selection ## Samples - [Copyright-Free FLAC Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/flac-samples): Lossless FLAC audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/mp3-samples): Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio - [Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/wav-samples): Uncompressed PCM WAV audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free Raw PCM Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/pcm-samples): Raw PCM s16le audio samples featuring nature ambience and relaxing music for waveform, playback, and conversion workflows ## Related content - [Audio Loudness, Dynamics, and Mastering Delivery](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-mastering-loudness-workflows): Measure LUFS, true peak, and dynamics, apply suitable control, and verify podcast, broadcast, or music audio before delivery.