Meaning & use

Compressor

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A machine or device that reduces the volume of a gas, increasing its pressure, or that reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal.

See it in a sentence

The mechanic replaced the air conditioning compressor in the car.

The sound engineer used a compressor to even out the singer's vocal volume.

A note on using this word

Used in very different industries with related meanings: mechanical compressors handle gases, while audio compressors handle sound signal dynamics.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

An audio processing device or software tool that reduces the range between the loudest and quietest parts of a sound.

Adding a compressor to the mix made the drums sound punchier and more consistent.

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