How does BPM relate to compressor release time?

A quarter note lasts 60000 divided by BPM milliseconds. Setting the release to a note value, such as an eighth note, makes the compressor recover its gain right as the next subdivision hits, so the dynamics breathe in time with the music instead of fighting the groove.

What release time gives pumping sidechain compression?

For the classic pumping effect, set the release roughly to a quarter or eighth note so the level dips on each kick and swells back just before the next one. Too short and the pump is inaudible, too long and the track never recovers. Tempo-synced release values are the reliable starting point.

How short should compressor attack be?

A fast attack of 1 to 10 ms clamps transients and makes a sound smaller and more controlled. A slower attack of 20 to 50 ms lets the initial transient punch through before compression engages, which keeps drums and plucks snappy. Attack is usually set by feel rather than tempo.

Why sync release to the beat at all?

An un-synced release can recover at an awkward moment, causing the level to lurch against the rhythm and sound restless. Aligning release to a note value makes each gain recovery land on a musical subdivision, so the compression feels like part of the groove rather than an artefact.

Does this apply to limiters and gates too?

Yes. Gate release and limiter release both benefit from tempo-aware values for the same reason: recovery that lands on the beat sounds intentional. Limiters usually want shorter release than bus compressors to avoid pumping on a master, but the note-value table is still a useful reference.

Compressor Attack & Release to BPM Calculator

A compressor’s release time decides how quickly the gain recovers after a peak — and if that recovery lands on the beat, the compression locks into the groove instead of fighting it. This tool converts your tempo into musically-aligned attack and release times for transparent dynamics or deliberate sidechain pumping.

How it works

The whole table is built on the quarter-note duration at your tempo:

quarter note (ms) = 60000 / BPM

From there, common note values are simple multiples and fractions:

1 bar (4/4) = quarter x 4
half note    = quarter x 2
quarter note = quarter x 1
eighth note  = quarter / 2
16th note    = quarter / 4
32nd note    = quarter / 8

Dotted and triplet variants follow the usual x1.5 and x0.6667 rules.

Choosing release

Set the release to the note value at which you want the gain fully recovered:

Bus / glue compression: quarter or eighth note — the mix breathes once per beat.
Sidechain pumping: quarter or eighth note synced to the kick — level dips on each hit and swells back just in time.
Transparent control: shorter values (16th) so recovery is fast and unobtrusive.

Choosing attack

Attack is judged by ear, not tempo, but the guideline is simple: a fast attack (1 to 10 ms) tames transients and tightens; a slow attack (20 to 50 ms) lets the transient punch through first, keeping drums and plucks lively.

Worked example

At 128 BPM, a quarter note is 60000 / 128 = 468.75 ms. An eighth-note release of about 234 ms gives a tight sidechain pump that recovers just before each off-beat; a quarter-note release of 469 ms gives a slower, deeper pump that breathes once per beat.

All timings are computed locally in your browser.