Amount of Compression when Mastering?

[Analog]

Stories of the Sterling guys using little to no compression had me thinking that this is obviously very program dependent.

For instance, I had a mix that was already pretty compressed and mastering with 1 db of compression every now and then was plenty.

But then I was given a mix that had NO compression on it, and the snare and especially kick were slammin big time. When running it threw the chain, the kick was being clipped too much so I just kept compressing until I was doing about 4-5db (this was an Alan Smart) and then things sounded cool. But I kind of felt guilty about doing that much compression when I hear so much that you shouldn't be doing more then 1 to 2 db during mastering. But is the idea if the mix is TOO peaky you have to smash it down with compression before slamming your A/Ds for level?

[MASSIVE Master]

I'm working on a project *right now* where most of the mixes are hitting only a dB or two of gain reduction, but there have been two mixes so far with more like 5dB.

So, yes. It's totally program-dependent.

Don't feel guilty if that what the mix is asking for - Feel guilty when you're forcing it to take it.

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by Analog

But I kind of felt guilty about doing that much compression when I hear so much that you shouldn't be doing more then 1 to 2 db during mastering.

Who on earth said that? Kind of silly. In mastering you should compress the amount that gets you the sound you are going for.

[pingu]

Just turn those knobs blindly until it sounds right.

[Darius van H]

Don't intellectualize too much........and don't forget to listen. thumbsup

I'm with Pingu....spin the knobs 'till you hear something you like.

[jayfrigo]

Use as much or as little as you need. Don't just use it because you think you're supposed to, and consider how much is already on the average mix these days, but if it sounds good, do it. Often it does sound better without, especially if the mix is a good one to begin with. Sometimes I use a compressor with the needles just barely moving, more for the sound of the box than the actual compression.

[DeeDrive]

Another thing to consider is that a lot of mastering compression is typically pretty low ratio. If I had a ratio of 1.25:1, I could probably get away with moving the needles a little more, than if I was using a higher ratio.

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Darius van H

Don't intellectualize too much........and don't forget to listen. thumbsup

I'm with Pingu....spin the knobs 'till you hear something you like.

I don't disagree with this, just make it sound good......

That said I know we are talking mastering here but if this was a mix I would add don't paint yourself into a corner later either.

When mixing with compression it may sound good now bumping 5 db off the top of the mix but your ears might be fatigued from mixing or you may be tired or what have you. You might just come back tomorrow and slap yourself in the forehead and ask yourself what the hell you were thinking. The best and only reason to look at the meters is because they are a good solid constant, they don't get tired or fatigued or care what the latest trend is. 5 db of compression today is going to be 5 db of compression tomorrow according to the meters on that unit.

What I am saying is (when mixing) if 5 db sounds good then roll with it but that is a pretty hefty amount of reduction, if I am at all worried about it then I print another mix with 1 or 2 db GR and see which one my mastering guy thinks he can work with (most times he will pick the 1 or 2 db mix).



Now 5 db on a master... no clue, I am not a mastering cat, that is what I pay (or the project pays) an ME for. If I get it back and it sounds like crap then I will ask for a remaster but I am looking for an outside set of ears so if it sounds good at 5 db of GR to you as a ME then... roll with it.

[Bob Olhsson]

What can be very revealing is to match the average output level of the compressor to that of the input and then follow this with a peak limiter to bring the average level up to where you want it.

This level match lets you hear exactly what the compressor is accomplishing vs. just using more aggressive limiting to achieve the same level.

[valverec]

Disable your VU meters and go to town! Who cares what it's doing if it sounds right.

[heathen]

One great thing I noticed with my Al Smart c2 is that the compression onset at 1.5-1 and 2-1 is very smooth at a 1-3 db gr. Then if you leave the threshold the same and change to a 3-1 ratio the onset curve changes to a more aggressive gr on fast transients and is less likely to go into gr on the rest of the program material which can be very helpfull when taming drums. I've had my c2 about a year now and know it quite well ,oh and love it of course.