WA Production has offered a compressor called ComBear for free in some promotions. A free compressor is a good way to learn dynamics, and the skill transfers to every compressor you will ever use. This guide walks through the standard controls and gives a starting plan for drums, vocals and bass. Specific control names in ComBear may differ, so treat this as general technique.
Compression in one paragraph
A compressor reduces the volume of audio that crosses a threshold. The amount of reduction is set by the ratio, how quickly it reacts by attack, and how quickly it lets go by release. Make-up gain then restores the overall level. That is it; every other control is a variation on these.
The controls
| Control | What it does | Too extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | Level where compression starts | Too low squashes everything |
| Ratio | How strongly it reduces | Very high acts like a limiter |
| Attack | Speed of reaction | Too fast kills punch |
| Release | Speed of recovery | Too fast pumps, too slow dulls |
| Make-up gain | Restores level | Too much fools your ears |
For a fuller explanation with visuals, see our Fruity Compressor guide.
Recipe 1: Drums
- Choose a medium ratio.
- Set the attack slower so the transient of each hit passes before compression begins.
- Use a fast to medium release timed to the groove.
- Aim for a few decibels of gain reduction on the loudest hits.
The slow attack keeps the snap in the snare and kick.
Recipe 2: Vocals
- Use a moderate ratio.
- Set a medium attack so consonants stay clear.
- Set the release so the level recovers between phrases.
- Aim for three to six decibels of reduction on louder words.
Gentle settings sound natural. If the vocal sounds lifeless, back off the ratio.
Recipe 3: Bass
- Choose a moderate to higher ratio to keep notes even.
- Use a medium attack so the note body is controlled but the start is audible.
- Set the release fairly fast so the compressor recovers before the next note.
Even bass level makes the whole mix feel more solid.
A quick listening routine
- Set gain reduction, then adjust make-up gain until the loudness matches the bypassed sound.
- Toggle bypass and listen for what improved: steadiness, punch, or body.
- If you cannot name an improvement, use less or skip it.
Before you compress
Compression depends on input level. If the signal is very quiet or hot, the threshold needs constant readjustment. Follow the routine in our gain staging guide first. For another free character compressor to compare against, read about the Razorclip freebie.
Installing safely
- Download only from the developer or an authorised store.
- Do not use cracked versions.
- Rescan your plugin list in your DAW.
Parallel compression as a next step
Once you are comfortable with the basics, try parallel compression. Send a track to a bus, compress that copy heavily, and blend it back under the original. This adds density and sustain while keeping the natural attack of the dry track. It works especially well on drums. If ComBear or your compressor has a dry or mix knob, you can do a similar thing on a single instance.
Sidechain thinking
Some compressors can react to another signal, letting the kick duck the bass. This is a common technique in electronic music. Check whether your plugin and DAW support it, and read the manual, since routing differs between hosts.
Ear training with a compressor
Set an extreme ratio and low threshold for a moment and listen to what attack and release do. Exaggerating the effect makes it easier to hear. Then back off to musical settings. Doing this on a drum loop for five minutes is one of the fastest ways to learn what each control sounds like.
Common beginner mistakes
- Setting the threshold so low that the meter is always at maximum reduction.
- Raising make-up gain until the compressed version is simply louder, then calling it better.
- Using the same settings on every track instead of listening to each source.
- Compressing before fixing a bad recording, which only emphasises problems like room noise.
Avoid these and even a basic free compressor will improve your mixes noticeably.
Key takeaways
- Master threshold, ratio, attack, release and make-up gain.
- Slower attack keeps drum punch; moderate settings keep vocals natural.
- Match levels when comparing on and off.
- Confirm ComBear's current price on the official page.
FAQ
Is ComBear still free?
Possibly not. Check the official page.
Is a free compressor good enough?
Yes for learning and often for finished mixes. Technique matters more than price.
Should I compress before or after EQ?
Either works; try both. Many engineers cut problem frequencies first.
How much gain reduction is too much?
If it sounds pumped or lifeless, reduce it. Three to six decibels is a typical starting range.
