glossary
Attack time decides how much of the transient gets through before compression clamps down.
Attack is the time a compressor takes to begin reducing level after the signal crosses the threshold. Fast attack catches peaks quickly; slower attack lets more transient energy pass.
The setting changes both level control and tone because transients carry much of the perceived punch and brightness.
A very fast attack can make drums or vocals feel smaller by flattening the leading edge. A slower attack can sound punchier, but it may leave peaks that need later control.
The right choice depends on whether the processor is shaping envelope, controlling overloads, or gently stabilizing a part.
Listen while watching how quickly gain reduction appears and returns. If the meter is pinned at every transient, the attack may be doing more tone shaping than level control.
Meter Core keeps output loudness and peak level visible so attack changes are not mistaken for simple level changes.