Compressors - Peak/RMS?

[Rorymonster]

Just a quick question that I need clarifying - I'll use Logic's example to make it clear, though there is an equivalent on most comps.

There's a little switch between Peak and RMS on Logic's basic compressor. What does this do exactly? When might one apply each of these choices?

Cheers guys.
Rory

 

[Ott^]

"Peak" settings generally react faster and control the sharp transient peaks in a sound.

"RMS" [root mean square] settings generally behave more slowly and control the average sound level of a sound.

So - if your sound is too spiky and you want to smooth it out - choose "peak"

If you just want to control the overall average volume of the sound - choose "RMS"

 

[Rorymonster]

perfect, just what I needed

 

[wakadooo]

bless ya mate for the simple explanation.