General Mix Bus Compression question

VivaLaVinyl · 16th November 2006

I'm curious as to how those who use compression across the mix bus approach it;

At what point during the mix would you insert your compressor? Would you get
the mix more-or-less entirely done, and then apply compression? Or would you
start mixing with the bus compression, and adjust as you go along?

Would you insert an EQ pre/post bus compressor to drive/compensate for the bus
compression?

Make up gain; how much? I would imagine this would depend on what you were
mixing down to (tape, back into DAW...)

Just wondering how the experienced amongst you approach this. Thanks!

RusRant · 17th November 2006

When used, I don't add it until toward the end of the mix. Usually don't use EQ on the buss. I get my mix as close as I can, and then put it on. If I need to make changes, I will remove it first. I use it for glue only, not for level boosting. I have a hard time mixing with it on the buss from the beginning. It always takes bigger EQ and level changes due to the comp kicking in.

danasti · 17th November 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by VivaLaVinyl

At what point during the mix would you insert your compressor?

Most people I know (who use it) mix into a comp from the very start. Buss compression was built right into some of the ledgendary consoles. They set the comp for the type/style of music and adjust for the songs tempo with the purpose of it sounding like a record from the very start. They feel that they adjust the comp before starting a mix and it's set to make a commercial record for that genre or moreso that track. So from that point on they adjust the mix to the compressor and not the other way around. Some people can be very efficient working this way.

No rules though. Find the way you like to work and how you get the best sounding recording.

NathanEldred · 17th November 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by danasti

Most people I know (who use it) mix into a comp from the very start.

thumbsup

RusRant · 17th November 2006

I know thats the way it used to be when the comps were integrated with the console. Would you say it is still primarily done this way? I've never like to do it that way. But as you said, there are no rules.

studjo · 17th November 2006

I used to get the drums and bass pumping and insert the comp at the moment I got it. But lately I mess a bit with my habits so I just carry on. Most of the time there's the moment where I feel something doesn't sound right - not a single instrument - just a global thing - that's the moment I kick in the buss compressor. This approach has the advantage that I know the kind of compressor I want to insert. It makes a huge differenece if I insert a Smart C2 or some Dakings or ...

Jo

SnakeCained · 17th November 2006

I dont use it at the very begining as I want to see what is going on with the tracks (I dont usually record them)

But it gets inserted quite early on.

Still have the need to bypass now and again particularly when soloing something that sounds like trouble.

Overall its a real help.

VivaLaVinyl · 18th November 2006

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

16th November 2006	#1
VivaLaVinyl Gear Head Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 74 Thread Starter	General Mix Bus Compression question I'm curious as to how those who use compression across the mix bus approach it; At what point during the mix would you insert your compressor? Would you get the mix more-or-less entirely done, and then apply compression? Or would you start mixing with the bus compression, and adjust as you go along? Would you insert an EQ pre/post bus compressor to drive/compensate for the bus compression? Make up gain; how much? I would imagine this would depend on what you were mixing down to (tape, back into DAW...) Just wondering how the experienced amongst you approach this. Thanks!

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17th November 2006	#2
RusRant Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2006 Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 998	When used, I don't add it until toward the end of the mix. Usually don't use EQ on the buss. I get my mix as close as I can, and then put it on. If I need to make changes, I will remove it first. I use it for glue only, not for level boosting. I have a hard time mixing with it on the buss from the beginning. It always takes bigger EQ and level changes due to the comp kicking in.

17th November 2006	#6
studjo Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 2,414	I used to get the drums and bass pumping and insert the comp at the moment I got it. But lately I mess a bit with my habits so I just carry on. Most of the time there's the moment where I feel something doesn't sound right - not a single instrument - just a global thing - that's the moment I kick in the buss compressor. This approach has the advantage that I know the kind of compressor I want to insert. It makes a huge differenece if I insert a Smart C2 or some Dakings or ... Jo

17th November 2006	#7
SnakeCained Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2004 Location: LONDON Posts: 662	I dont use it at the very begining as I want to see what is going on with the tracks (I dont usually record them) But it gets inserted quite early on. Still have the need to bypass now and again particularly when soloing something that sounds like trouble. Overall its a real help.

18th November 2006	#8
VivaLaVinyl Gear Head Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 74 Thread Starter	Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.