How to use a Compressor/Expander to master or enhance a Techno or EDM track!

1. Core Parameter Strategies

Input Level & Threshold

Drive for Groove:

• Set Input Level to hit 4-8 dB of gain reduction (GR) on peaks (kicks/snares).
• Adjust Threshold to clamp down on transients only (e.g., -6 to-10 dB), leaving sustained elements (pads,
  bass) dynamic.

EDM Hack:

• Use a clipper before the compressor to shave off extreme peaks, reducing GR workload and
  preserving transient snap.

Ratio & Attack/Release

Punch Preservation:

• Ratio: 3:1-4:1 for gentle glue; 6:1-8:1 for aggressive "smash" on distorted leads.
• Attack: 10-30 ms (slow enough to let kick transients through, fast enough to tame synth plucks).
• Release: Sync to track tempo (e.g., 50-150 ms for 125-140 BPM) for rhythmic pumping. Faster release (20-50 ms) for minimal techno; slower for atmospheric grooves.
• Side Cutoff (Sidechain Filter)
• Bass-Friendly Compression:
• Set a high-pass filter at 80-150 Hz on the sidechain input to prevent kicks/sub-bass from over-triggering compression. This keeps lows punchy and avoids "pumping" artifacts.

Lock Ahead Amount Transient Protection:

• Use 1-5 ms lookahead to catch peaks without dulling transients. Avoid higher values to prevent unnatural "softening" of kicks.

2. Creative Processing with Expander

Enhance Groove:

• Apply upward expansion (1.5:1-2:1 ratio) on kicks/snares to add punch.
• Set Threshold just below peak levels to emphasize transients.
• Use downward expansion to suppress background noise in sparse sections (e.g., sub-bass rumble between kicks). Dry/Wet Mixer (Parallel Compression) Transient +

Sustain Balance:

• Blend 30-50% wet signal for Techno's "crushed" energy while retaining kick/snare attack.
• For harder EDM (e.g., big room), go 60-80% wet to glue chaotic mixes.
• Low/High Mixer (Frequency-Dependent Blending)

Bass & Clarity Control:

• Low Mix: Compress lows harder (70-100% wet) to tighten sub-bass. High Mix: Keep highs drier (30-50% wet) to preserve hi-hat/shaker sparkle.

3. Genre-Specific Workflow Tips

Kick/Bass Dominancе:

• Use Side Cutoff to focus compression on mids/highs, letting kicks/sub-bass stay dynamic.
• Pair with a post-compressor saturator to add harmonics to compressed elements (e.g., distorted synths).

Hypnotic Techno Pumping:

• Set Release to 1/4 or 1/8 note timing (calculate via BPM) for rhythmic "breathing" akin to sidechain compression.

Agressive Highs:

• Apply downward expansion on hi-hats (Threshold just above noise floor) to sharpen their attack.

4. Loudness & Output

Gain Staging:

• Use Gain to compensate for GR, but avoid overloading the output.
• Leave 1-2dB headroom before hitting a final limiter.

Output Ceiling:

• Set to -0.5 dB TP (True Peak) for streaming; -1 dB TP if mastering for vinyl.

5. Validation & Referencing

A/B Against References:

• Compare with tracks like Adam Beyer (Techno) or David Guetta (EDM).

Focus on:

• Kick transient integrity post-compression.
• High-end clarity (avoid over-expanded/compressed hats).
• Mono Check: Ensure kicks/bass remain punchy and centered.
• Dynamic Range: Aim for 6-8 dB DR (EDM needs groove, not squashed flatness).

6. Final Chain Example

Clipper (trim peaks) → Subtractive EQ (cut mud <150 Hz) → 1-band Comp/Expander (settings above) → Saturator (add warmth to mids) → Limiter (final -8 to -6 LUFS push).

By combining precision compression, frequency-aware blending, and expansion-driven transient shaping, your plugin can turn EDM/Techno mixes into club-ready powerhouses without sacrificing groove or clarity.