I feel it's rather time to get into using compressors for character as well as for the clinical uses I'm used to. Read some of the comments around this place and chased down some articles.

Thing is I'm really not sure what I'm listening for, or even what "character" means in the context of compression.

I'm certain that ultimately there's no such thing as "mojo" or "magik" or any such in mixing. Maybe very very complex multi-faceted non-linear responses to the things you tweak, but ultimately everything is just physics of electronics.

With that said, it might as well be magic for as little as I understand the concept of character compression. Does it come down the the differences between knee sizes, ratio, and attack/release timing? Are there other things going on?

For context, I'm most familiar/comfortable with the very powerful and very clinical compressor that ships with Reaper. (ReaComp it's called.) Nothing mystical about it, just does what it says on the tin. I use/adjust it to 1) knock down the worst overshoots on a keeper take/average out the level especially for vocals. 2) rein in the extreme amplitude modulation that comes with close miking a Leslie cabinet. 3) subtly reduce the dynamic range of woodwinds when blending to rock music. (say a very gentle 1.2:1 or so) or 4) occasionally obliterate all dynamics intentionally to make something non organ much more organ like before automation. I realize 4) is for character, but not in the way most people seem to mean twiddling with compressors say on a drum buss or something.

Please hold my hand just a tiny bit. A smidge. Point the way so I can go figure out what I'm supposed to be hearing. Thanks.