How much compression does a mix bus have?
If in doubt, try not to compress by more than 3-4dB on the loudest sections of a heavy or very processed song. 2dB of compression is plenty for the loudest sections of more acoustic or dynamic genres. And often, all you need is 1dB, just for a little glue. But hey — if it sounds good, it is good!
What is 2-bus compression?
A compressor designed primarily to process stereo mixes in a console’s or DAW’s 2-bus. 2-bus compressors are used to control overall dynamics, to raise the average level of a mix, and to sonically “glue” the mix together into a cohesive whole.
Why do you mix bus with compression?
Mix bus compression is the act of adding compression to your entire mix. Adding a small amount of compression to your mix bus chain can take your mixes to another level. When done correctly it can add more excitement and cohesiveness as it controls the dynamics of the mix. It helps to “glue” your tracks together.
What is parallel bus compression?
Parallel compression, also known as New York compression, is a dynamic range compression technique used in sound recording and mixing. It is most often used on stereo percussion buses in recording and mixdown, on electric bass, and on vocals in recording mixes and live concert mixes.
What comes first EQ or compression?
Each position, EQ pre (before) or EQ post (after) compression produces a distinctly different sound, a different tonal quality, and coloration. As a rule, using EQ in front of your compressor produces a warmer, rounder tone, while using EQ after your compressor produces a cleaner, clearer sound.
Should I compress before mastering?
The use of mix bus compression can provide punch and “glue” to your mix. Sometimes, this is what can help give a mix a polished and finished sound. This often includes some type of additional compression as well as limiting, so squashing the dynamics out of every track should be avoided before mastering.
What is bus compression?
Bus Compression is the act of using a compressor on the master output to create a uniform sound for the entirety of a mix or master. Bus compression is often used in mixes and masters to create a cohesive and overarching timbre for the recording.
What is VCA compression?
VCA (stands for voltage controlled amplifier) compressors are perhaps compressors with the fastest response of the attack and release parameters. VCA’s also tend to have less “coloration” compared to optical or tube compressors somewhat similar to the digital vs. analog tape comparison in recording.
Should mix bus compression be done in mixing or mastering?
Applying compression after the mix is complete thus risks changing the balance you have carefully set up, so unless you mixed into a compressor from the start, compressing the mix is best left to the mastering engineer.
Should you use parallel compression?
Using parallel compression on drums can help keep all the dynamics of the original source material but add volume, depth and power to them without crushing dynamics or adding too much make up gain that will overdrive the mix bus.
How much does parallel compression reduce?
Threshold: You’re aiming for 5-15 dB’s of gain reduction. As you dial in your threshold, watch your compressor’s meter for something in that range. Attack Time: When you’re going for aggressive parallel compression, you’ll usually want a fast attack. Something below 2 ms.