Behringer Composer Pro sucking the life out of my mixes

[RKB]

Buying a new compressor isn't an option, and a pc-based compressor isn't in the cards right now. I need to get this project out before Thanksgiving and have 11 tracks to master, or as much "mastering" as I can do. (which basically for me amounts to some EQ correction and bringing up the overall volume)

I'm using the Behringer for my mastering compressor (I know, I know... I really need a multiband processor, just bare with me....) and the resulting mixes, which are coming out much cleaner after some EQ tweaking (particularly below 40Hz) still sound "thin" to me. The song I'm working on now is an instrumental, with drum kit, harpsicord, chorus, synthesizer, pipe organ, and some mid-range chorus.

I had to cut a little at 4kHz to kill some harshness on the synth. I've also cut a little at 200Hz and 500Hz to clean up the bass. Also shelved out everything below 40Hz with a Q of 5. Another small cut at 1360Hz and a slight boost at 15kHz. The mix itself sounds fine, but when I bring in the compressor, it just sounds thin. Part of it is the instrumentation, but some of it has to be the compressor.

Any suggestions on using EQ to bring back what the Behringer Composer Pro sucks out? I don't have an mp3 yet, everything is still on the mixer. I'm waiting to get a few more tracks under my belt before burning a disc.

[Track Rat]

IMHO, if all I had for a two buss compressor was a Behringer, I don't think I'd use it.
At the very least, I'd use it sparingly. No more than 2 to 1 and not very aggressive on attack/releases.

[Blue Bear Sound]

In mastering terms, compressor ratios are on the order of 1.1 - 1.5 -- so they're very light... Being a Behringer probably doesn't help, but it sounds like you're overcompressing anyways.............

Bruce

[RKB]

Alas, the Behringer is all I have. I'm using a compression ratio of 3:1 to get the levels hot enough on this particular song. I'll try bringing it down a little bit, but my primary goal for mastering these is to get them hotter and fuller-sounding. I would think 3:1 would be considered "gentle", but I'll try anything.

[Blue Bear Sound]

3:1 is "tracking gentle", but not "mastering gentle"..........

Bruce

[Gidge]

what exactly is wrong with the mix that you feel you need that much compression...how about posting an mp3 of the mix without the compression, but with the EQ adjustments you mentioned.....

remember , if you dont know why you are using the compressor (what problem you intend to correct), its best not to use it.....

also, ive played with that compressor and it aint half bad.....its no RNC, but it also isnt a 3630....

[RKB]

I'll see about the mp3.

Primarily, I'm trying to bring up the average volume of the mix so it's more in-line with other commercial discs that might be on the same cd changer. The mixes themselves just sound quiet and thin, and there's a wide range of dynamics. I'm just trying to make it more even and bring up the overall loudness.

Normalizing the mixes might help a little, although they're pretty hot as it is. But not "master hot". Should I just use a 1.5:1 or 2:1 compression ratio and then normalize the mixes to achieve a better overall volume level?

[atomictoyz]

Doesn't anyone rent studio equipment anymore? You used to be able to rent things that were high end studio pieces like a good multiband compressor, exciters and processors for so much less than what purchasing one would cost. If its a must to get the project done before you can own the equipment, see if you can rent it...j ust a thought.


Peace,
Dennis

[Gidge]

if you can get mixes as hot as commercial CD's and still retain the dynamics, Ill send my mixes to you to master.....you have to stop, imagine the $$$ in equipment and the years of experience that made the commercial CD that "hot".....you should concentrate on mixing and getting a good mix, doing some light mastering (light compression,light EQ)...other than that, go back to the mix and see what fixes you can do to get the mix right.....

IMO, normalization is never a good fix......

[Gidge]

this thread started by sonusman had 112 replies and 8865 views...contains ALOT of info on recording and mixing issues that may help you.....

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthr...hlight=finally

[sjoko2]

the best tip is simply not to use any low quality outboard gear. You'd be better off just tracking good and mixing good, make your sound itself stand out.

As I think I've said over and over again, compressors were designed as a FIX They are NOT essential.
Use them for effect, use them wherever you like. But, I can honestly tell you that for the majority of projects I record / mix and master myself, the instances I use a compressor in tracking and mixing are rare. In mastering, yes, I do use compression, but normally a VERY small amount. If I do use compression it comes from expensive TC software, or a $6k stereo hardware compressor. If I had a choice of using cheaper stuff or no compressors at all, no compressors would be the choice.

Never forget the main things :
1 - the song
2 - the tracking
3 - the mix
4 - the mastering

Get 1 and 2 right, and the rest will be a doddle