Paul Wolff Breaks Down the Two Worlds of Compression

When it comes to audio engineering, compressors are among the most important yet misunderstood tools in the studio. Paul Wolff, legendary designer and founder of Wolff Audio, explains what truly makes compressors tick in this quick but insightful video.

🎛 Feed-Forward vs Feedback: What’s the Difference?

At the heart of every compressor lies a control circuit that determines how it reacts to incoming audio. Paul Wolff takes to the whiteboard to demystify the two main approaches: feed-forward and feedback compression. These terms may sound technical, but understanding the distinction can make all the difference in how you shape dynamics.

Watch and Learn with Wolff Audio

This short video is perfect for anyone who wants to sharpen their mixing skills or simply understand compressors on a deeper level. Paul’s clear explanation and real-world perspective will leave you with a better grasp of how to use compression to its fullest potential.

🎥 Watch here: Paul Wolff Explains Feed-Forward vs. Feedback Compression 👇

Why It Matters for Your Mix

Feed-forward compression analyzes the input signal before it reaches the gain reduction element, offering precise, modern control that’s often ideal for fast, aggressive styles. Feedback compression, on the other hand, reacts to the output signal, delivering a smoother, more musical response commonly found in classic analog gear.