Gain Reduction
Definition
The amount by which a compressor, limiter, or gate reduces the level of a signal, measured in decibels. Displayed in real time on a gain reduction meter. The visual representation of how hard a dynamics processor is working.
In Simple Terms
How many decibels a compressor or limiter is turning down your signal at any given moment. The gain reduction meter shows you how hard the processor is working. More isn't always better.
In Practice
A compressor showing 6 dB of gain reduction on a vocal is reducing the loudest notes by 6 dB. A limiter showing 0 dB of gain reduction is not being triggered — the signal has not reached the threshold.
Common Confusion
More gain reduction is not better mixing. A common rookie habit is showing off gain reduction meters as proof of "working hard" — but transparent compression often shows only 2–4 dB of reduction on average. Heavy gain reduction (10+ dB) belongs to specific creative effects, not most musical compression.
Sources & Verification
- Katz, B. — Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science (3rd ed.)Focal Press, 2014
- Owsinski, B. — The Mixing Engineer's Handbook (4th ed.)Bobby Owsinski Media Group, 2017
Last verified: 2026-05-05