glossary
The knee controls how abruptly compression starts around the threshold.
A soft knee starts compression gradually as the signal approaches the threshold. A hard knee applies the full ratio more abruptly once the signal crosses the threshold.
Both can be useful. The right choice depends on whether you want invisible control or obvious shape.
Soft knee compression often works well for vocals, buses, and leveling because gain reduction eases in. Hard knee compression can feel more assertive on drums, effects, and sounds that need a defined clamp.
The knee interacts with threshold, ratio, attack, and release, so it should be adjusted while listening to the whole compression behavior.
Lower the threshold until gain reduction starts, then compare knee settings at matched output level. If the transition sounds jumpy, soften the knee; if the control feels vague, try a harder knee.
Meter Core helps level-match the result so knee choices are judged by movement and tone.