glossary
The detector is the listening circuit that tells a compressor when to turn down.
A compressor detector analyzes an input or sidechain signal and converts it into gain reduction. Attack, release, threshold, ratio, and knee all depend on what the detector sees.
Some detectors react quickly to peaks. Others average level more like RMS, which can feel smoother but less protective against sharp transients.
Peak-style detection can clamp drums and vocals quickly. RMS-style detection can ride sustained level more naturally. Sidechain detection lets another signal control the gain change.
That is why two compressors with similar settings can move very differently on the same source.
Use gain-reduction metering to see how the detector is responding, then listen for groove, punch, and stability.
Meter Core makes level changes easier to spot around compression decisions so detector behavior is not judged by knob positions alone.