Feedback compression

In short, a feedback compressor listens to its output rather than its input.1 The detection circuit follows the gain-reduction circuit.2 A feedback compressor turns down the volume when it starts getting too loud, without anticipating the volume.3

In a feedback design, the detector comes after the component that changes the level. This results in two things:

  1. More transients,
  2. Smoother compression since the detector is reacting to an already compressed signal.2

Feedback compression can be helpful for Shaping transients to create depth, bringing elements forward. Feedforward compression can be used for the opposite.

The 1176, LA2A, and SSL Bus Compressor are feedback compressors.4

Molot GE can switch between feedback and feedforward. DC8C3 can blend between feedback and feedforward.

Feedback can be more forgiving and musical than Feed-forward compression.5

Fabulous fake feedback trick

  1. Introduction to Molotok and Molot GE ↩

  2. Feedback Vs. Feed-Forward Compression: The Differences You Need to Know ↩ ↩2

  3. [Feed-back and feed-forward compressor topology explained blog:analog](https://blog.mixanalog.com/compressor-topology-explained)

    ↩

  4. Molot GE Manual ↩

  5. U-He Presswerk compressor plug-in - Gearjunkies Review - Gearjunkies - Music tech news, Reviews, Videos, Synthesizers, Studio, Recording ↩

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