Audio Compression, "How To" Leveling the signal

Here is a simple "how to" use a audio compressor.  

Audio compression is a method of reducing the dynamic range of a signal or leveling the overall signal

• An audio source to be compressed (eg. microphone, musical instrument, output of sound desk, etc)..

1. Connect the source to the compressor's input, and the compressor's output to the destination device.
2. Adjust the compressor's input and output gains to appropriate levels.
3. Set the threshold level to the point at which you wish compression to take effect. Signals below this level will not be affected. Signal levels above the threshold will be reduced according to the compression ratio.
4. Set the compression ratio. Ratios of 5:1 or less will produce fairly smooth compression; ratios of 10:1 or more will produce more severe cutting off.
5. Set the attack time. This is the delay between detection of a signal above the threshold, and the commencement of compression (ie. the time it takes to "attack" the signal).
6. Set the decay time. This is the time taken to release the signal from compression.
7. Adjust any other settings on the compressor. If you don't know what they are, try to put them on automatic, or disable them.

LINK: MORE INFO ON COMPRESSORS