MusicTechHelpGuy breaks down the two controls that actually shape a compressor's sound: ratio and threshold. Ratio sets how much gain reduction happens once a signal crosses the threshold. Threshold sets the level a signal must pass before any compression kicks in at all.
Using a kick drum in Logic Pro, he shows the relationship directly: a high threshold with a low ratio gives gentle, subtle control, while a low threshold with a high ratio can push gain reduction toward 20 dB, smoothing transients and shaving off peaks aggressively.
Seeing both extremes side by side makes it easier to dial in compression settings that match the punch you actually want, rather than guessing at numbers.