Compression in Nuendo – A Step-by-Step Guide

Compression in Nuendo – A Step-by-Step Guide

Nuendo is a powerful DAW, and its built-in compressor, along with third-party plugins, allows for precise dynamic control. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use compression in Nuendo, covering vocal compression, drum compression, and mix bus compression with practical examples.

1. Accessing the Compressor in Nuendo

You can apply compression in Nuendo using its built-in Channel Strip Compressor or insert a third-party plugin.

Steps to Access a Compressor in Nuendo:

1. Open your Mixer (F3 key).
2. Select the track you want to compress.
3. Click on the “Channel Settings” (E button).
4. In the Channel Strip, find the Compressor Module.
5. Alternatively, go to Inserts and add a third-party compressor like Waves RComp, FabFilter Pro-C, or SSL Compressor.

2. Vocal Compression in Nuendo

Vocal dynamics can be inconsistent, making compression essential.

Step-by-Step Vocal Compression Setup

1. Insert a Compressor (Nuendo’s built-in compressor or a plugin like FabFilter Pro-C).
2. Set the Threshold to start compressing louder parts of the vocal (~ -15dB).
3. Choose a Ratio:
   • Soft vocals: 2:1 – 3:1
   • Aggressive vocals: 4:1 – 6:1
4. Adjust Attack and Release:
   • Attack: 10-30ms (Medium to retain transients)
   • Release: 40-80ms (Medium for natural sound)
5. Knee: Soft for smooth compression.
6. Makeup Gain: Increase to compensate for gain reduction.

🔹 TIP: Use Sidechain Compression on the instrumental to make space for the vocal by ducking the instrumental when vocals are present.

3. Drum Compression (Kick & Snare)

Drums need compression to add punch and control peaks.

Step-by-Step Drum Compression in Nuendo

Kick Drum

1. Insert a Compressor on the kick drum track.
2. Set Threshold to catch peaks (~ -12dB to -15dB).
3. Ratio: 4:1 – 6:1 for a tight and punchy sound.
4. Attack: 10ms (slightly slow to keep the initial punch).
5. Release: 40-80ms (medium-fast for bounce).
6. Makeup Gain: Adjust to restore lost volume.

Snare Drum

1. Threshold: -10dB (catching louder hits).
2. Ratio: 4:1 – 6:1 (controlled but snappy).
3. Attack: 5-15ms (preserve transient).
4. Release: 40-100ms (matches song tempo).
5. Makeup Gain: Adjust to maintain balance.

4. Parallel Compression (New York Compression)

Parallel compression allows you to retain the original dynamics while adding thickness.

Steps to Apply Parallel Compression in Nuendo

1. Create a new FX Channel Track (Right-click → Add FX Track).
2. Insert a Compressor (e.g., Nuendo Compressor or Waves RComp).
3. Set:
   • Threshold: Low (-20dB to -30dB).
   • Ratio: High (8:1 – 12:1).
   • Attack: Fast (1-5ms).
   • Release: Medium-Fast.
4. Blend the FX channel with the original track to taste.

5. Sidechain Compression (Kick & Bass)

Sidechain compression is used to duck the bass every time the kick plays to prevent clashing frequencies.

Steps to Apply Sidechain Compression in Nuendo

1. Insert a Compressor on the Bass Track.
2. Click the Sidechain Button in the compressor.
3. Route the Kick Drum to the Sidechain Input (Click "Sidechain Send" on Kick Track → Route to Compressor).
4. Adjust:
   • Threshold: -10dB to -20dB.
   • Ratio: 4:1 – 6:1.
   • Attack: Fast (1-5ms) (quick response).
   • Release: 50-100ms (natural bounce).

🔹 TIP: Use a gentle sidechain for subtle ducking or an extreme setting for EDM-style pumping effects.

6. Master Bus Compression (Glue Compression)

On the master track, compression glues the mix together while maintaining dynamics.

Steps for Master Bus Compression

1. Insert a Compressor on the Master Bus.
2. Set the Ratio: 1.5:1 – 2:1.
3. Threshold: Apply 1-3dB gain reduction.
4. Attack: Slow (30ms+) to avoid killing transients.
5. Release: Auto or Medium (match tempo).
6. Makeup Gain: Adjust if needed.