Peak Vs. RMS detection

[Rocko]

Hi,

I'm playing around with a simple compressor design.
I used the stock FS compressor, stripped it down and remained with the core of it only.

I noticed that the detector is a peak detector.

Shouldn't/don't compressors use an RMS detector? I had thought peak detection was for fast limiters only.

How many samples do you recommend me to use an 'RMS detector' for it to be a 'fast compressor'?

Any links, ideas or such would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rocko

[tester]

I guess it may depend on design. In this case - all values below certain threshold are amplified, but in order to do so - values must be detected (and values are peak values).

Continuing my guessing, in more complex design - you may play with the RMS flow, giving boost according to this flow on one side, but limiting the top (peak values) on the other side.

[RJHollins]

Shouldn't/don't compressors use an RMS detector? I had thought peak detection was for fast limiters only.

Compressor designs [hardware] can be Peak or RMS based. Some designs incorporate both.