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Online Audio Compressor - Reduce Dynamic Range

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Online Audio Compressor

Reduce dynamic range, balance audio levels, and add punch — all in your browser. Free, no upload to server.

Drop audio file here or click to browse WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC, AAC — up to 80MB
-24 dB
4:1
3.0 ms
250 ms
6 dB
+0 dB
Upload an audio file to see waveform
00:00 / 00:00
GR
0 dB
Ready

Frequently Asked Questions

What is audio compression and why do I need it?
Audio compression reduces the dynamic range — the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of a recording. It helps create a more balanced, polished sound by taming peaks and bringing up quieter sections. This is essential for vocals, podcasts, music mixing, and any audio that needs consistent volume levels.
What does the Threshold setting do?
Threshold determines the volume level (in dB) at which compression kicks in. Signals above this level get compressed; signals below it pass through unaffected. Lower thresholds mean more compression is applied to more of the audio signal.
How does Ratio affect compression?
Ratio controls how much the signal is reduced once it exceeds the threshold. A 4:1 ratio means that for every 4dB above the threshold, only 1dB passes through. Higher ratios create more aggressive compression. A ratio of 10:1 or higher effectively acts as a limiter.
What are Attack and Release times?
Attack is how quickly the compressor responds once the signal exceeds the threshold (measured in milliseconds). Fast attack catches transients; slower attack preserves punch. Release is how quickly the compressor stops compressing after the signal drops below the threshold. Too fast can cause pumping; too slow sounds unnatural.
What is Knee in compression?
Knee determines how gradually or abruptly compression is applied as the signal approaches the threshold. A soft knee (higher value) creates a smoother, more musical transition. A hard knee (0dB) applies compression instantly at the threshold, which is more noticeable.
What is Makeup Gain?
Compression reduces the overall level of the audio. Makeup gain boosts the output to compensate for this reduction, bringing the compressed signal back up to an appropriate listening level without reintroducing the original dynamic range.
Is my audio file uploaded to any server?
No. All processing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. Your audio file never leaves your device. This ensures complete privacy and security — no server uploads, no data collection.
What audio formats are supported?
This tool supports all audio formats your browser can decode — typically WAV, MP3, OGG, FLAC, and AAC. The processed output is always exported as a high-quality 16-bit WAV file for maximum compatibility.
What's the difference between compression and limiting?
Compression gently reduces dynamic range with moderate ratios (2:1 to 6:1), preserving musical character. Limiting uses very high ratios (10:1 or greater) to prevent signals from exceeding a set level — essentially acting as a brick wall. This tool's higher ratio settings can function as a limiter.
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