Compressors, Gates and De-essers

Compressors reduce dynamic range gradually, while limiters prevent signals from exceeding a certain threshold – often used as a final stage for loudness.

De-essers target and reduce harsh 's' sounds (sibilance) in vocal recordings, preventing them from being overly distracting or fatiguing.

Sidechaining allows one signal to control the gain reduction of another, creating rhythmic pumping effects or freeing up space in a mix.