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Foundations of Compression

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COURSE DETAILS
  • Starting date
    On-demand
  • Duration
    10 hours
  • Level
    All levels
  • Instructor
    Fab Dupont
ABOUT the course

The framework that everything technical builds on.

Compression is one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools in audio production. In Foundations of Compression, acclaimed producer, engineer, and educator Fab Dupont demystifies compression through a practical, ears-first approach that helps learners understand not only how compressors work, but when, why, and how much to use them in real-world mixing situations.

Designed as a 10-hour micro-learning experience, this course combines concise, focused video lessons with engaging readings, reference guides, critical listening activities, reflection discussions, hands-on exercises, and knowledge checks that reinforce learning and help students immediately apply each concept. Every lesson is intentionally structured to build confidence through small, practical wins that develop into lasting compression skills.

Students begin by mastering the fundamentals—dynamic range, compressor controls, and the sonic characteristics of different compressor types—before progressing into practical applications across vocals, drums, bass, guitars, and full mixes. Along the way, they develop critical listening skills, explore the philosophy behind effective compression, and learn how experienced engineers make compression decisions in context rather than relying on presets or formulas.

By the end of the course, students will understand how to evaluate compression settings by ear, choose the right compressor for the job, control dynamics without sacrificing musicality, and confidently use compression as a creative tool that enhances tone, impact, and balance.

Whether you're producing your own music, mixing professionally, or building a solid engineering foundation, Foundations of Compression provides the essential skills needed to make compression an intentional and musical part of your workflow.

Learning Outcomes 

Each course includes

1

Identify and explain the key parameters of a compressor, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain.

2

Compare different types of compressors and describe their sonic characteristics.

3

Apply compression effectively to various sources to control dynamics and enhance tonal balance.

4

Evaluate the impact of compression settings by critically listening to processed vs. unprocessed audio.

5

Justify compression choices based on the context of the mix, balancing technical and creative considerations.

6

Construct a well-balanced mix using compression as a primary tool for dynamic control.

01: The Building Blocks of Compression

  Time: approx. 4 hrs 30 mins

Lesson 1: Compression & Dynamic Range

 Time: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
This lesson introduces the fundamental concepts of compression, exploring why we use it in audio production and how it shapes the sound. We will examine how compressors are used to control dynamic range, and their general functions in making music.
  Course Intro & Required Materials • Video
  Lesson 1 / The Building Blocks of Compression • Video
  Lesson 1 / Dynamic Range • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Into to Compression & Dynamic Range • Video
  Lesson 1 / Compression Overview • Video
  Lesson 1 / When to Use Compression & When Not To • Discussion
  Lesson 1 / Compression in Action Intro • Video
  Lesson 1 / Compression in Action • Exercise
  Lesson 1 / Compression in Action Solutions • Video

02: Practical Compression Strategies

  Time: approx. 5 hrs 10 mins

Who this program is for

  • Audio engineers, producers, artists, and sound designers
  • Musicians who want to understand why audio tools behave the way they do
  • Students entering audio, music, or media programs
  • Self-taught creators looking to solidify fundamentals with real-world context

What you'll need

  • A computer (laptop or desktop)
  • A reliable internet connection
  • Headphones, AirPods, speakers, or a monitoring system
  • DAW Access (Pro Tools preferred, however any DAW will suffice)

What our students are saying

From seasoned mixers to bedroom producers, many audio professionals have sharpened their skills with Campus @ Puremix.
Here's what they have to say about our courses.

Learn from the best

Fab Dupont

Instructor

BAD BUNNY• SHAKIRA • David Crosby • Queen Latifah • Jennifer Lopez •

Fab Dupont is an award-winning NYC based record producer, mixing/mastering engineer and co-founder of puremix.com. Fab has been playing, writing, producing and mixing music both live and in studios all over the world. He's worked in cities like Paris, Boston, Brussels, Stockholm, London and New York just to name a few.

Joe Totino

Course Author

Joe Totino is an Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Composer, and Educator based in New York City. With experience working on high-profile projects for Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, A24, Netflix, and Hulu, his music and sound design have featured in numerous major motion picture trailers and hundreds of TV shows worldwide. Joe has spent the past 10 years working in renowned studios like Flux Studios and Dubway Studios. Since 2017, he has been teaching Audio Technology at the college level and is currently the Audio Program Chair at SAE Institute - New York. Passionate about hands-on learning, Joe is dedicated to helping students gain real-world insights and succeed in the audio/music industry.

Emily Aldredge

Course Editor

Emily Aldredge is a seasoned arts, culture, and education leader with over three decades of global experience designing innovative programs, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency for cultural institutions. As an expert in project management, event production, and curriculum design, she has successfully launched and managed high-impact educational initiatives across the globe—ranging from regional art labs for Meta to satellite university campuses in New York, Paris, and Florence. Currently, Emily channels her extensive expertise in arts administration and education into the music technology sector, leading the launch, course design, and operational strategy of Campus @ Puremix. She holds a Master’s degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Art Education from The Ohio State University.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

This course offers a complete overview of compression—what compressors do, how they work, the history behind the different kinds of compressors, and when (and when not) to use them. Whether you're a musician or songwriter looking to polish your demos, or an engineer chasing the perfect mix, Foundations of Compression presents a methodical and stress-free approach to all things compression.

Do I need to buy a bunch of fancy plugins or hardware compressors?

We encourage students to use any compressor you have available. Your DAW's stock compressor is great! While it's fun to experiment and play with all the tech, a compressor is a compressor, and the fundamentals of using one stay the same despite different compressors' controls and layouts. A simple, digital stock compressor is the perfect tool for nailing the basics and beyond.

Does this course focus on compression for all instruments?

The course begins with learning all the basics of how a compressor works. Once these universal controls are solidified, the course gets detailed on how to compress different instruments, vocals, and whole mixes. From controlling drums and transients, or shaping a bass tone, to levelling a dynamic singer and putting that final control on your mix bus, Foundations of Compression presents a complete overview of all the common and universal uses of compression.

How is the course structured?

The course is divided into two modules, with lessons, videos, quizzes and exercises that build on your knowledge of compression. Fab goes over compressor topology and the history of compressors, while explaining his philosophy on using compression in a mix. He goes on to show how to compress a variety of instruments, vocals, and a whole mix, while giving you hands-on exercises to practice. This course is fully online and at your own pace, so it will work around your busy schedule!

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