Implementing an Audio Compressor Effect with AGC on a Microcontroller

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of an audio compressor effect based on the Automatic Gain Control method using a microcontroller platform. The proposed system continuously monitors the input signal amplitude and dynamically adjusts the gain to maintain a consistent output level, thereby reducing distortion and enhancing audio clarity. The architecture combines analog front-end circuitry with digital signal processing executed on the microcontroller, ensuring low latency and efficient resource utilization. Experimental results demonstrate that the developed prototype effectively suppresses sudden volume fluctuations while preserving the natural quality of the audio signal. The solution provides a cost-effective and compact alternative to traditional compressor units, making it suitable for portable audio devices, embedded systems, and educational applications.