If dynamic range compression on songs is well known to lessen the quality if the music, then why does it continue to be done?

Question

If dynamic range compression on songs is well known to lessen the quality if the music, then why does it continue to be done?

In: Technology

Answer 1

There are a few reasons:

* Lost of listening is still done on the radio and that means it can happen in noisy places. Dynamic compression is a huge help in making the sounds of the music audible in noisy environments.
* Some producers are still fighting the loudness wars.
* At concerts an other live-sound events, compression is an essential tool. Screeching vocals and guitar riffs would be super unpleasant. Dave Rat (sound guy for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) uses a *ton* of compression at their live shows. Check out his YouTube Videos, they are fascinating.