Which mix buss comp/limiter?

Joemamma · 11th October 2007, 12:59 AM

What do you guys have on your mix buss?
Hardware? Software?

Or do you mix without a mix buss comp?

PettyCash · 11th October 2007, 03:15 AM

Like always it depends. Today I mixed a track with just a Waves SSL Comp on the stereo buss.

For tomorrows mix session Im going to try switching it up and mixing with a loudness maximizer, and maybe some mix/tape saturation on the stereo buss and see how things flow.

I'd say get funky with what you do and see what you can discover...... just dont shitty up the mix while doing it, especially if your client is on the clock.

HoPMiX · 11th October 2007, 03:16 AM

ive heard all the hype about the G quad comp.
ive tried it many times. It just makes my mix sound small.
so ive given up on mix buss compression.

PettyCash · 11th October 2007, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoPMiX

ive heard all the hype about the G quad comp.
ive tried it many times. It just makes my mix sound small.
so ive given up on mix buss compression.

The trick to using any type of compression on the stereo buss is simple. Know what sound you are trying to go for, and more importantly, know that particular compressor very well.

Dont just add it onto the stereo buss because you see other ppl doing it, or because you think it will improve your mixing.

Sadly enough, it really wont improve anything about your sound if you dont know what type of outcome you are going for and how that compressor will help you achieve it.

There is no hype over the G comp, it does what it does if setup properly. It also helps if you add it onto your mix in the early stages of the mix, thus forcing you to mix into it. Then you can create your mix to sound as big as you want it to sound and it will still keep everything tightly held together.

**TonyBelmont** · 11th October 2007, 07:50 AM

I have an Aurora Audio GTC2 on my mix buss and it's been there for months now.

cynic · 11th October 2007, 08:04 AM

every time this topic comes up i say.......FATSO

Joemamma · 11th October 2007, 12:55 PM

I haven't really worked that much with mix buss compression when mixing, but I've come to realize that I think it is an important part of mixing hiphop.

Do you agree or disagree with this?

Of course it is possible to make good mixes without a mix buss compressor, but I actually think it might be a help when mixing hiphop.
In genres like hiphop, where the kick and snare are high in the mix, it can be a help to see and hear how the drums hit the 2 buss. This way you might be better prepared for mastering...

assemblyworker · 11th October 2007, 01:03 PM

I use the Waves R-Comp and Massey Tape Head on the mix buss.

Works for me.

If it's not going off for mastering I'll also use the Waves C4 and Massey Mastering Limiter.

gainstages · 11th October 2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynic

every time this topic comes up i say.......FATSO

ditto - using this a a very large percentage of my mixes, for a very subtle/gentle compression

when using plugs its usually waves ren comp

blayz2002 · 11th October 2007, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gainstages

ditto - using this a a very large percentage of my mixes, for a very subtle/gentle compression

when using plugs its usually waves ren comp

How would you say the 2 compare in your opinion, do you make choice between whether to go hard or soft? (sorry!) and if you do why?

Switchcraft · 11th October 2007, 04:24 PM

alan smart
and or FATSO

Mr. Tom · 11th October 2007, 04:31 PM

None!

I let the mastering dude of choice do all that squeezing of the 2mix...1/4" tape @ 15ips

Peace,
T

deuc647 · 11th October 2007, 08:38 PM

The truth is i dont like what the waves ssl buss comp does to the overall mix, but it is the shyt as a drum buss comp! The Renn comp is great for a lot of apps IMHO.

computa · 11th October 2007, 08:49 PM

waves ssl on drum buss only. save rest for mastering

Igotsoul4u · 11th October 2007, 09:12 PM

The McDsp ML4000 has been a really good friend as of late. Its the best mastering/limiter plugin I have ever heard. I have also been really loving the new digi Reel Tape plugin. The massey mastering and tape plugs are also pretty cool.

Roc Mixwell · 12th October 2007, 02:31 AM

Tony, your making me want to buy that thing, please STOP!!
Hahaaa,

I run my mixes through the DI of my GTQ. It can make the mix sound smooth as glass, without subtracting any punch or fatness I have going on.

I love using digital EQ, but HATE using digital dynamics!

You can stay away from digital zero with the 2-buss and drive the output of the line device harder to color the signal and increase the amplitude without introducing digital distortion.

peace
mixwell

**TonyBelmont** · 13th October 2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

Tony, your making me want to buy that thing, please STOP!!
Hahaaa,

I run my mixes through the DI of my GTQ. It can make the mix sound smooth as glass, without subtracting any punch or fatness I have going on.

You should get one to match the GTQ.

Stitch333 · 13th October 2007, 05:21 PM

9098 is a good piece for the job

iceberg · 13th October 2007, 07:36 PM

Lately for me it has been a bit of waves ssl comp and a little mixsaturator. I am not reducing gain more than a couple db overall.
I think it sounds pretty good.
I have also used the mixpressor on my 2buss, but sometimes it can be a bit much placed on the 2 buss.

later

btw- just received my navy blue gearslutz t-shirt yesterday and it is niiiiiicccces. Where is the best place you have sported it?

PettyCash · 13th October 2007, 07:43 PM

If I decide to use some, then I might deal with some Rcomp or SSLcomp, mixsaturator (but not too often), and voxengo tape.

blayz2002 · 13th October 2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PettyCash

If I decide to use some, then I might deal with some Rcomp or SSLcomp, mixsaturator (but not too often), and voxengo tape.

Hows that Voxengo Tape working out on the bus?

CWsounds · 14th October 2007, 08:32 PM

I use Izotope Ozone 3 (only using a few things on it) and Sony Oxford Limiter on the mix buss for all my demo cd's. But when its taken to the studio i track everything out seperately and put nothing on the mix bus. Then everything else is in the engineer's hands.

tengu · 15th October 2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roc Mixwell

I love using digital EQ, but HATE using digital dynamics!
l

cosign

Sometimes I use a neve Portico comp but generally I leave nothing on the two buss.

The right eq, levels and panning can get great results.

SiqDog · 15th October 2007, 08:41 AM

Mixbus-chain: UAD Cambridge (low end cuts) - TLA 5052 for light tube-drive, EQ and light comp (VST insert) - UAD Maximizer (really nice!) - UAD Limiter (barely active).

For a finalized prod - NONE. Let the pros do it on outboard.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Limiter for the mix buss	Ciozzi	So much gear, so little time!	18	8th July 2007 12:53 AM
2 Buss Comp/Limiter: Universal Audio LA-3A (dual) / Manley Vari Mu?	Kalite Marka	So much gear, so little time!	4	26th February 2006 01:47 PM
best mix buss comp for 2k or less	vtone	So much gear, so little time!	16	22nd November 2004 08:37 PM
Colorful drum buss comp/limiter for DX	PaRaNoId	So much gear, so little time!	3	9th April 2004 04:23 AM
Mix buss comp	mac black	High end	10	19th October 2003 02:21 AM

11th October 2007, 12:59 AM	#1
Joemamma Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 479	Which mix buss comp/limiter? What do you guys have on your mix buss? Hardware? Software? Or do you mix without a mix buss comp? __________________ www.myspace.com/imhighhouse www.myspace.com/highhouseproductions

11th October 2007, 07:50 AM	#5
TonyBelmont Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boston,MA Providence,RI Posts: 10,150	I have an Aurora Audio GTC2 on my mix buss and it's been there for months now. __________________ Tony Belmont We Sell Gear! Need plugins? Check out PluginDiscounts.com

11th October 2007, 08:04 AM	#6
cynic Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: san jose, califas Posts: 1,953	every time this topic comes up i say.......FATSO __________________ damaged goods - beyond repair, cd out now damaged goods - myspace page flying brick records clout online

11th October 2007, 12:55 PM	#7
Joemamma Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 479	I haven't really worked that much with mix buss compression when mixing, but I've come to realize that I think it is an important part of mixing hiphop. Do you agree or disagree with this? Of course it is possible to make good mixes without a mix buss compressor, but I actually think it might be a help when mixing hiphop. In genres like hiphop, where the kick and snare are high in the mix, it can be a help to see and hear how the drums hit the 2 buss. This way you might be better prepared for mastering... __________________ www.myspace.com/imhighhouse www.myspace.com/highhouseproductions

11th October 2007, 03:15 AM	#2
PettyCash Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,705	Like always it depends. Today I mixed a track with just a Waves SSL Comp on the stereo buss. For tomorrows mix session Im going to try switching it up and mixing with a loudness maximizer, and maybe some mix/tape saturation on the stereo buss and see how things flow. I'd say get funky with what you do and see what you can discover...... just dont shitty up the mix while doing it, especially if your client is on the clock.

11th October 2007, 03:16 AM	#3
HoPMiX Gear maniac Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 213	ive heard all the hype about the G quad comp. ive tried it many times. It just makes my mix sound small. so ive given up on mix buss compression.

11th October 2007, 01:03 PM	#8
assemblyworker Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 225	I use the Waves R-Comp and Massey Tape Head on the mix buss. Works for me. If it's not going off for mastering I'll also use the Waves C4 and Massey Mastering Limiter. __________________ www.myspace.com/assemblylinemusic www.myspace.com/soundmakersproduction

11th October 2007, 04:24 PM	#11
Switchcraft Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Philly Posts: 970	alan smart and or FATSO

11th October 2007, 04:31 PM	#12
Mr. Tom Gear nut Join Date: May 2006 Location: Stockholm,Sweden Posts: 118	None! I let the mastering dude of choice do all that squeezing of the 2mix...1/4" tape @ 15ips Peace, T

11th October 2007, 08:38 PM	#13
deuc647 Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,308	The truth is i dont like what the waves ssl buss comp does to the overall mix, but it is the shyt as a drum buss comp! The Renn comp is great for a lot of apps IMHO.

11th October 2007, 08:49 PM	#14
computa Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 997	waves ssl on drum buss only. save rest for mastering

11th October 2007, 09:12 PM	#15
Igotsoul4u Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,610	The McDsp ML4000 has been a really good friend as of late. Its the best mastering/limiter plugin I have ever heard. I have also been really loving the new digi Reel Tape plugin. The massey mastering and tape plugs are also pretty cool.

12th October 2007, 02:31 AM	#16
Roc Mixwell Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Foxboro, MA Posts: 1,899	Tony, your making me want to buy that thing, please STOP!! Hahaaa, I run my mixes through the DI of my GTQ. It can make the mix sound smooth as glass, without subtracting any punch or fatness I have going on. I love using digital EQ, but HATE using digital dynamics! You can stay away from digital zero with the 2-buss and drive the output of the line device harder to color the signal and increase the amplitude without introducing digital distortion. peace mixwell __________________ Adam Brass Mercenary Audio adam@mercenary.com ________________ "Any opinions expressed above are worth exactly what you paid for them." Anonymous "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude." Thomas Jefferson "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward. Thomas Edison

13th October 2007, 05:21 PM	#18
Stitch333 Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Phila, PA/Upstate MA Posts: 2,353	9098 is a good piece for the job __________________ www.myspace.com/stitchproductions "Half shark, half man, skin like alligator...carrying a dead walrus..." "I think this sheet metal that says NEVE on it can be made into a mic pre. It already sounds better than anything else I own." -D.W.

13th October 2007, 07:36 PM	#19
iceberg Gear nut Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No Coast Region, USA Posts: 129	Lately for me it has been a bit of waves ssl comp and a little mixsaturator. I am not reducing gain more than a couple db overall. I think it sounds pretty good. I have also used the mixpressor on my 2buss, but sometimes it can be a bit much placed on the 2 buss. later btw- just received my navy blue gearslutz t-shirt yesterday and it is niiiiiicccces. Where is the best place you have sported it? __________________ http://www.myspace.com/sirbergersworth Last edited by iceberg; 13th October 2007 at 07:37 PM.. Reason: t-shirt addition

13th October 2007, 07:43 PM	#20
PettyCash Lives for gear Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,705	If I decide to use some, then I might deal with some Rcomp or SSLcomp, mixsaturator (but not too often), and voxengo tape.

14th October 2007, 08:32 PM	#22
CWsounds Gear maniac Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 239	I use Izotope Ozone 3 (only using a few things on it) and Sony Oxford Limiter on the mix buss for all my demo cd's. But when its taken to the studio i track everything out seperately and put nothing on the mix bus. Then everything else is in the engineer's hands.

15th October 2007, 08:41 AM	#24
SiqDog Gear Head Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 32	Mixbus-chain: UAD Cambridge (low end cuts) - TLA 5052 for light tube-drive, EQ and light comp (VST insert) - UAD Maximizer (really nice!) - UAD Limiter (barely active). For a finalized prod - NONE. Let the pros do it on outboard. __________________ Identity-checker: www.myspace.com/drjayrock

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: