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Hello,
If you’re involved in the world of electronic music, you’ve almost certainly heard of OTT compression, which stands for ‘over the top’ compression. It’s a type of multiband compression that applies downward and upward compression with extreme intensity.
The term originates from an old Ableton preset of the same name, which went on to become a staple concept in genres such as EDM, dubstep, techno and trap.
1. Multiband
The incoming signal is split into several frequency bands (typically Low / Mid / High).
Each band is processed independently, then summed back together.
2. Downward Compression
Louder parts are reduced once they pass the threshold — standard compressor behavior.
3. Upward Compression (Expansion)
Quieter details are lifted dynamically, enhancing low-level textures and subtle resonances.
4. The Result
More presence, density, and that classic “in-your-face” feel.
The dynamic range flattens, but the perceived energy rises.
Depending on settings, it can sound polished, aggressive, or even plasticky.
Cramit by Sixth Sample & Integraudio
Suppose you want to experiment with this concept. In that case, I highly recommend checking out Cramit by Sixth Sample & Integraudio — it’s a free plugin that takes the OTT idea to a more musical, flexible level.
Besides its three-band compression/expansion engine, Cramit includes a 7-type distortion unit that can be placed pre or post compression, with up to 8× oversampling for clean harmonics.
In short:
Cramit OTT = brutal multiband parallel compression with attitude.
Used right, it adds detail and energy. Used wrong, it can make a mix sound flat.
In this newsletter, you will find three short video sound examples. Have a listen!
Upward compression on a drum bus
On a synth lead
Downward compression on a drum stem
(It’s easy to overdo — once it sounds squashed or harsh, you’ve gone too far.)
Common Use Cases
Synths, Drums, or Mix Buses – to add punch, clarity, or lift buried details
Especially effective in Techno, House, EDM, Future Bass, Dubstep, Trap
Rarely used in acoustic or natural genres
Quick Functional Overview
With Cramit, you can solo bands, toggle between compression and expansion using the arrows, adjust the upper and lower thresholds, set crossovers and control the depth, speed and mix for each band.
Its distortion module allows you to place distortion before or after the compression stage, adjust the drive, and morph between seven types. Global controls include input/output, mix and oversampling. Use oversampling to reduce aliasing caused by non-linear processing.
How I Use It (Real-World Practice)
Leads & Pads (trance, progressive, melodic techno)
Goal: forward, glossy tone without splashy highs.
→ Crossover around 120–180 Hz / 2.5–4 kHz.
→ Light upward expansion on highs, gentle downward on mids.
→ Blend via Mix 10–100% up to taste.
→ If it turns glassy, lower high-band depth and add subtle saturation.
Bass & 808s (bass house, trap)
Goal: definition without choking the sub.
→ Focus low band, minimal high lift.
→ Distortion drive 1–3/10 for harmonics audible on small speakers.
Drum Bus (Tech House, DnB, breaks, etc)
Goal: glue + punch without flattening detail.
→ Short timing, mild downward comp on lows/mids.
→ Parallel setup preferred: put Cramit on an aux, feed drums, and ride return.
→ If snares dull, ease mid-band depth; if kick softens, lower low-band ratio.
→ Mix 20% up to 80%
FX, Risers, Ear Candy
Goal: build intensity that feels alive, not harsh.
→ Upward expand highs, add touch of bit-crush.
→ Automate Mix 10 → 40% into the build, then pull back on drop impact.
Working Principles
Parallel first, serial second. Use Cramit like an exciter — bring up a parallel return until you miss it when muted, not notice it when on.
Harmonics before more squeeze. If compression stops helping, pivot to gentle saturation.
Gain staging is king. level-match output. Don’t trust “louder = better.”
Crossovers shape tone. Adjusting them ±300 Hz changes feel dramatically.
Automate, don’t stack. One smartly automated instance beats three static ones.
Used with intention, the free Cramit is not “just OTT.” It’s a compact way to shape energy, tone, and translation at once—exactly what modern dance records demand.
Pro Tip:
Use Cramit in parallel, blend 20–80% wet, and listen for the moment it adds life instead of loudness. That’s the sweet spot.
Be sure to try out this free OTT and distortion tool, or upgrade to the advanced paid version — it’s highly addictive! Have fun with it!
Cheers Marcus
Electronic Music Mixing and Mastering
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