Final answer:
A compressor reduces the dynamics of a sound by lowering the amplitude of the louder parts of the sound wave, evening out the perceived volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
A compressor shapes a sound source by reducing dynamics. This is mainly accomplished by lowering the amplitude of the sound waves, which in turn affects the volume at which you perceive the sound. When a compressor is applied to an audio signal, the louder parts (the peaks of the sound waves) are reduced in amplitude, which decreases the dynamic range of the audio. To put it simply, a compressor evens out the volume by making the loud noises softer and sometimes the soft sounds louder. Compressors do not boost frequencies, alter pitch, or enhance stereo width directly; they are primarily involved with managing amplitude and dynamics.