Here is a good example of what over compressing drums sounds like.

Beautiful setup and performance but you can hear the compression attack and release is set to high.

Obviously most of this depends on the style, individual compressor, and using one's ears is always the best. If software, I can also load up some presets and explore. But. (dramatic music) I want to begin a discussion on why certain settings work or do not.

just wondering what the general view is on compressing the overhead drum mics during tracking. Necessary?,Stupid?,Imperative?
I realize that its mostly a matter of opinion and taste,but if anybody has any input or suggested threshold/ratio-attack/release settings theyd like to share id dig it very much.

gday everyone.

Hello i am new to this site and to enginering and have had a search and can't seem to find any compression setting examples for drum kits, guitars bass electric acoustic, vocals, synth, piano etc it would be great if someone knows of any good links etc outlining ratios and thresholds release attack settings for me to explore as i keep on making a right mess of my tracks.

Im stuck with my Alesis 3630, Ive found that trying to understand the manual is a real process within itself.
Ive been knob dicking with it for about 1yr now,and have found the good and bad in the unit,but to tell you the truth,I still have confusion when it comes time to really understanding,threshold,ratio,attack,release etc.

What compression settings do you use for tracking drums?
Kick
Snare
hat,crash, ride
toms
Thanks, Mike