do u prefer to run your final mix trough a limiter or compressor?

[Vagodeoz]

I try not to make it peak during the mix, and when I'm ready to do the mixdown I put a little compression and limiter.
I guess you missed the option "all of the others" on the poll.

 

[mixsit]

..I put a little compression and limiter.
I guess you missed the option "all of the others" on the poll.

Yep. At least the in-house stuff typically a bit of both. But then in-house (here) means not Smashtered.

 

[TerraMortim]

use whatever works. I prefer throwing something like a PSP Vintage warmer on my master channel. It seems to glue the mix together a bit nicer, thicken it up, and just... sound better to me.

There isn't really any right or wrong answer. There's nothing wrong with doing it, or not doing it. I would personally recommend it, because it can really be a good thing, but you can mix however you want to, which is really the truth about it.

 

[shockingcandy]

Timely that someone bumped this thread as I've been reading about this a lot recently. It seems that many mastering studios recommend not using any compression on the stereo buss, only on individual tracks, and set the level conservatively to avoid overloads.

Personally, I think subtle compression can really help the instruments sit together in a mix so I tend to set the ratio to 1.5:1 and threshold down around -32dB. What's more I think using such a compressor changes how I set the levels of certain instruments within a mix so despite what the experts say I am reluctant to do away with it.

I do also individually compress a little more aggressively (2:1 or 3:1) troublesome instruments such a bass, clean guitar and vocals. This means I don't have to work the stereo buss compressor as hard.

 

[drstawl]

I don't know quite what I think about this, mainly because I don't own a compressor that even bypassed would not damage my sound in a big way, but I thought I might share one current anecdote.

I have a Jason Mraz live CD that seems to be completely uncompressed or limited ... I had it on fairly loud in the car but yesterday evening I came to a sudden burst of energy, a transient for which my car stereo was not prepared ... and now I am down a speaker in my car.

I guess the 'live' feel of the CD is enhanced by the unpredictable volume levels, but on a more 'processed' or 'packaged' production this might be undesirable, even unsafe, for the listener.

Just my thoughts.

I'd say that if you lost a speaker in that manner, then that speaker needed killing.

 

[drstawl]

I apply (SW) compression on a track by track basis then mix.

 

[danny.guitar]

A lot of songs, I will put a limiter on the master buss and get as much volume out of my songs without hearing any noticeable difference in quality.

I don't know why, but acoustic guitars don't seem to like limiters (or compression) too much, but I usually get an extra 3 to 5 db of volume that I otherwise wouldn't get. Anymore than that and it starts to sound kind of dirty/grainy.

 

[jaybriggs84]

I leave it all up to the mastering engineer

 

[notredamer0789]

I would have to say yes and no to BOTH. I apply a bit of compression to some tracks in the mix already (lead gtr., snare, some kick, etc...) And then when i mix everything i usually get it as loud as the mix will go without peaking. I try not to use WAYYYY to much compression or limiter simply b/c ive heard SOO many demos where you get frequencys cut out and sounds that SHOULD be there not there b/c u killed them.. I use pro tools so sometimes i use digirack's compressor/limiter, but usually not on a final mix.. i love digidesign's SMACK!

 

[TerraMortim]

Timely that someone bumped this thread as I've been reading about this a lot recently. It seems that many mastering studios recommend not using any compression on the stereo buss, only on individual tracks, and set the level conservatively to avoid overloads.

Personally, I think subtle compression can really help the instruments sit together in a mix so I tend to set the ratio to 1.5:1 and threshold down around -32dB. What's more I think using such a compressor changes how I set the levels of certain instruments within a mix so despite what the experts say I am reluctant to do away with it.

I do also individually compress a little more aggressively (2:1 or 3:1) troublesome instruments such a bass, clean guitar and vocals. This means I don't have to work the stereo buss compressor as hard.

yeah, some people's mixing style requires it. I couldn't do a proper mix without some sort of compression/limiting on the master channel. I just get better results that way (not anything to do with loudness). The tracks end up fuller, and more glued together, instead of sterile and too separated as digital recording can be.

 

[ggunn]

If you plan to farm out the mastering step to a pro (which I highly recommend if you are going for sales and/or air play), don't run any compression, limiting, or EQ on your final mix.

 

[thavva]

to me this question is sorta like saying, do you like clean or dirty guitars. They both have their roles at different times

having said that, if you going to get your stuff mastered then don't run anything over the main mix!

When someone says, "I'll just add a little compression/limiting to this to make it easier on the mastering engineer"...


Kill them.

It is a tragedy of digital music recording that people can do this without jeopardizing their immortal souls.

Do not do it.

I agree. If we are gona send our final product for mastering then there shouldn't be any compression or limiting on overall main mix.

 

[moon]

I never use any compression/limiting on my masterbus, if that's what you mean.
Certainly not if my mix is going to a mastering studio.

 

[Fishmed]

There is a big difference on applying a compressor/limiter after the mix is done and using them during the mix. If you did not apply it during the mixing process, you defiantly do not want to add it after if you are sending it to a third party for mastering.

If you are adding it during the mix process, they will act as a different beast. By using it at the time you are mixing, you will most likely end up using LESS processing on the individual tracks. The net compression/limiting might be a wash, but the overall mix should gel together better.

The bottom line is, as usual; do what makes your mixes sound the best.

 

[nonsensemejia]

so i wonder

i have read some places to never use a limiter....what do u guys think

 

[NYMorningstar]

i have read some places to never use a limiter....what do u guys think

Keep reading

 

[mixsit]

i have read some places to never use a limiter....what do u guys think

Yeah it's a dirty job ...but somebodys got to do it.

 

[TerraMortim]

That's absolutely not true the people who say that people don't ever use it on the master channel who are going to have it mastered by a third party. Esp in DAWs, this can be a VERY nice way to glue the mix together in a similar way as using a real console to mix. Daws, are almost too passive in their colouration of sound in themselves. There are multitudes of people who throw a compressor/limitor on their master channel, even when it's going to be mastered. You don't have to even compress it a lot. I often just apply a tiny bit of limiting with ever so slighty compression to the mix... it's not much at all, just something to glue it all together in a musical way.

 

[mykie_a]

what if the mix is live thru a master buss. would this effect your decision to use one over the other?

 

[mixsit]

what if the mix is live thru a master buss. would this effect your decision to use one over the other?

Live to two track? Live sound?