Compression and dynamic range

[Rasbah]

Hi! I'm new on tis forum, but I follow it for a long time with much interest.

I studied as a Sound engineer, but I love the mastering work, so I would like to specialize myself in this field.

I try to mastering for myself some tracks, and always I have a problem whit the dynamic range of the songs.

For example:

I have a mix whit a dynamic range of -15/-12 dbu (TTDR meter). After I equalize it for a good balance of the frequencies, I try to compress the track, but I don't want to compress too much, only a few Db (2/3) with ratio of 2:1. The problem is here, I always try not to use a fast attack and fast release, becouse tends to distortion and sound squash, so I use a gentle compression whit fast/medium attack and medium release. With this setting I reduce my dynamic range of 0.5 or 1 db , if I use the fast attack and release, my db of compression are 2/3, and the sound a little louder.
Now I analyzed many songs (different kinds of music), and I read on TTdr meter that the dynamic range is between -8/-5, also the songs have a natural sound, not squashed.
If I want to put my mix at this level I have to use the compressor as fastest as possible (setting) but naturally of the sound change, and I don't want it!!

Originally mix are very natural, and it is good to preserve this natural, but I have a problem whit the compression, because if I want to rise my DR I have the pumping effect.

I try to use the L1 limiter plug in (2/3 dg gain reduction) and it reduce the dynamic in very transparent way whitout bad effect.
I don't want to use a L1, because I have many analog gear and better plugin like algorithmix, but I can't get the same result of the L1!!!

I think that the loud of the other songs I listened and analyzed are normal, not too much louder, and preserve the original sound. If I want the same result I have to overcompress the mix, but whit bad resut.
I had reed a lot of book of mastering, and alwais talk of a few db of compression, like 2 or 3 and limit the sound whit 1 or 2 db.
I know that I wrong somthings..but what?! I would like to learn..

[Red Mastering]

high rms you are talking about (8dB) is not outcome of just compressing...
and it's not just 1 compressor,
I give you a hint,
set 3 compressors in line, one after each other,
now bypass 2 and set first one as you set you first compressor - delicate compression,
now set another one in similar manner - needle should move slowish with the music rhythm, no more then 1-2dB, or even less...
and last one - same
you can also use different settings of every compressor, just for your liking,
now set limiter at the end, and limit no more then 1-2dB,
what is you rms right now ?
the idea behind it is, every compressor could do GR around 1-2 db, with proper setting (and choosing correct compressor for task) you can squeeze 3-5dB completely transparent....
there also other techniques ...

[Unclenny]

I love it.

Brand new guy with a very specific question gets a very specific answer.

And dozens of other folks who would have loved to ask the very same question get a nice little kernel of knowledge.

I love this place.

[stoneagejim]

Great post red,



Thank you.

[Rasbah]

Thank you Red, very nice way, more natural than have only one compressor on the path, and RMS increase!

[Red Mastering]

welcome lads!