Compression

[Idle_Matt]

I've been exploring compression more and more lately, and I've never had an actual discussion with someone about how/why to use it, when it's appropriate, when it's too much, etc. So I was wondering - how and to what extent do you, personally, use compression? What are your favorite plugins/devices and methods? Do you use it on the master track, or compress each track individually?

And also, I have a basic, sort of beginner-ish question... is it more practical to put the EQ before or after the compressor? I've been doing it before, but I'm not sure if others have a different way of doing it

[rcpunker]

As the most professional producer in this forum, I usually add it as a band aid rather than automatically throw it on a track "just because". and I use REAPER'S REAPLUGS ReaComp.

[Idle_Matt]

I use Ableton's Multiband Dynamics plugin a whole lot, especially for drums. I've also found that using a limiter on the master makes a big (positive) difference in the overall mix.

[Tarekith]

I've been exploring compression more and more lately, and I've never had an actual discussion with someone about how/why to use it, when it's appropriate, when it's too much, etc.

>>> Start with this: http://tarekith.com/assets/dynamics.html <<<

So I was wondering - how and to what extent do you, personally, use compression?

>>> I don't use it very often, mainly to tame really dynamic stuff like guitars or bass tracks if they're too peaky to fit in the mix. I'm a freak like that though. <<<

What are your favorite plugins/devices and methods?

>>> I typically just use the compressor that comes with whatever DAW I'm using, I like Ableton's compressor just fine for simple tasks. <<<

Do you use it on the master track, or compress each track individually?

>>> Individually. <<<

And also, I have a basic, sort of beginner-ish question... is it more practical to put the EQ before or after the compressor? I've been doing it before, but I'm not sure if others have a different way of doing it.

>>> There's no right way to do it, each method has it's uses. I put the device first that I think the track needs most. For instance, if the first thing that strikes me about a track is that it's too bright, I'll apply EQ and then decide if I need to follow it with a compressor. <<<

[Idle_Matt]

Tarekith - Thank you! That's very helpful!