glossary
Release time is how quickly a compressor recovers after it turns the signal down.
Release time controls how long a compressor takes to stop reducing gain after the signal falls back below threshold. Short release times recover quickly; long release times hold the signal down longer.
Release behavior is often program-dependent, so the meter may move differently on drums, vocals, bass, and full mixes even with the same knob position.
A release that is too fast can chatter, distort, or make ambience jump forward. A release that is too slow can make the next hit arrive while the compressor is still clamping down.
On mix bus compression, release timing often determines whether the groove feels glued or dragged backward.
Set release while watching whether gain reduction returns before the next important transient. Then close your eyes and listen for pumping, dullness, or unstable level.
Meter Core keeps gain reduction context next to loudness so density changes do not hide behind output gain.