Master Fader Automation... and before or after compression?

[ryst]

Besides automating everything else, I usually automate (volume) the master fader. I mix thru an Alan Smart C2, into a Manley Massive Passive. What I have been doing so far is automating after compression/eq. But I was wondering if anyone prefers (if you use mix buss compression) automating into the compressor? And if so, why? Or do you do both?

[ryst]

Anyone?

[BLUElightCory]

I'd stick with automating after the compressor. Automating before the compressor will cause you to fight the compressor and alter the sound of the mix - turn down the level, and the compressor will compress less but the overall volume will not change much; raise the level and you're just going to compress the whole mix more but not do much to change the mix volume. This is all of course dependent upon how you set the compressor, but to me it sounds like a headache waiting to happen.