Compression Settings Guide: A Church Sound Engineer’s Resource

May 3

Whether you're running sound for a small church or a growing congregation, mastering compression is essential to achieving a clear, professional audio mix. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing vocals, taming loud instruments, or achieving consistent volume throughout your service, this guide is for you.

What is Compression?

Compression is an audio processing tool that helps control the dynamic range of a sound signal. In simple terms, it makes loud sounds quieter and quiet sounds louder—helping your mix sound more polished and balanced. For church sound teams, this means tighter vocals, smoother sermons, and a better worship experience.

Basic Compression Settings Explained

Here are the key settings you’ll find on most compressors and how they relate to church audio:

1. Threshold

What it does: Determines the level at which the compressor kicks in.
Tip: Set this slightly below the average vocal or instrument level to tame spikes during worship.

2. Ratio

What it does: Controls how much the signal is reduced once it passes the threshold.
Tip: Use a 3:1 to 5:1 ratio for vocals. Go higher (up to 8:1) for drums or inconsistent instruments.

3. Attack

What it does: Determines how quickly the compressor responds to the signal.
Tip: A slower attack (20-40ms) on vocals lets natural transients come through. For drums or percussion, a faster attack (5-10ms) tames sharp peaks.

4. Release

What it does: Controls how long it takes the compressor to stop compressing after the signal drops below the threshold.
Tip: Use a medium release (50-100ms) for vocals and spoken word. Adjust based on the tempo of worship.

5. Make-Up Gain

What it does: Boosts the output level after compression.
Tip: Add gain carefully to restore lost volume without adding noise or distortion.

Pro Tips for Church Sound Techs

Start light: Over-compression can ruin your mix—especially on vocals. Start with conservative settings and adjust during rehearsal.
Walk the room: Compression affects how a mix feels in different parts of the sanctuary. Check your mix from multiple seats.
Use presets wisely: If your digital mixer includes presets, use them as a starting point, not a final solution.
Train your team: Share this guide with volunteers to help them understand compression fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and applying compression settings properly is one of the fastest ways to improve your church’s sound. Whether you're working with a full band or just a couple of mics, compression helps create a balanced, distraction-free worship experience. Use this guide as a foundation, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust settings to fit your unique environment.

Would you like to download our FREE cheat sheet? Click here.