Look at this image. This song was sent to me for Mastering. Is compression needed? Read on.
The purpose of an audio compressor is to control the dynamic range of a sound, reducing the volume of loud peaks and increasing the volume of quiet sections. This creates a more balanced and consistent sound, making it easier to listen to. However, if there are no peaks in the wave file, further compression would only serve to compromise the dynamic range of the sound. This can result in a lifeless and flat audio, lacking in detail and nuance.
Dynamic range is an important aspect of audio quality, allowing for the different elements of a sound to be heard and appreciated. When there are no peaks in the wave file as seen below, the dynamic range is already controlled, and there is no need for further compression. By compressing the sound even more, the audio would become less dynamic, and the details would be lost, resulting in a dull and uninteresting sound.
It is important to recognize when compression is necessary and when it is not, to ensure that the audio remains true to its original form and retains its quality.