# Setting compressor attack and release Attack time, simply put, is the amount of time it takes for the compressor to reach full gain reduction. A compressor begins compressing immediately, but it takes some time to wind up.[^1] An attack time of 100ms or greater will have a pumping effect on transient material with low-level stuff in it.[^2] Release time, simply put, is the amount of time it takes to return to unity gain.[^1] A release time of 100ms or greater with have a breathing effect.[^2] With this in mind, anything equal or greater than 100ms can be considered slow, and anything less can be considered fast.[^3] These time constants usually work logarithmically.[^4] I can check the step transfer curves in Plugin Doctor. Temporarily crank a compressor's threshold and ratio to better hear the effects of attack and release.[^5] Use an oscilloscope to see how it changes. Attack is how long it takes to apply compression. A fast attack softens transients and has the effect of pushing an element back.[^6] Release is how long it takes to return to unity. Release times can effect the sustain. A too-fast release may have a weird ducking sound to it.[^6] Alex Tumay says attack and release is much more important than how much gain reduction you're getting.[^7] With max ratio, fast release, and a deep threshold, adjust the attack to your liking. After you've found the right attack setting, do the same for the release.[^8] [[Attack and release for bass frequencies]]. [^1]: [[Audio Production and Critical Listening]] pg. 84 [^2]: [[Audio Production and Critical Listening]] pg. 89 [^3]: [5 Effective Ways to Use Compression in a Mix — Pro Audio Files](https://theproaudiofiles.com/compression-techniques/) [^4]: [Are Compression Attack and Release times LYING TO YOU when mixing & mastering? - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-CvbKULDUY) [^5]: [[Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio]] pg. 179 [^6]: [How Attack & Release Works in a Compressor - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWNgXOdREPE) [^7]: [PRO MIXERS HATE THIS FREQUENCY (AES 2022 Panel) - YouTube](https://youtu.be/D_wI4VusNAo) [^8]: [[Level Rodeo]] pg. 26