How much to compress?

[monkie]

I have been working on a dance track for a friend that I created and when it comes time to mixdown I'm not sure how much to compress it. On some tracks I can really hear the compressor working hard and I don't want that.

How much should I compress for that style of music? Does dance music really need compression? All the levels have been set to even out but I still can't get that pumping effect.

Thanks in advance for all inputs.

 

[mixsit]

..On some tracks I can really hear the compressor working hard and I don't want that.

..All the levels have been set to even out but I still can't get that pumping effect...

Was that to say you do want some pump'?

I don't do that style but just to be general, maybe if you look at it reverse- What is (or are) the things that are 'sticking out' in the mix that will hit on the comp/limit?
-but- the 'things that hit' will also vary depending on the speed of the comp. So there is a bit of a circle to work out there as to the end result.
As often as not you may want to go back to the mix (or use two purpose dedicated comps or limits on the master in series) to refine what the master comp 'sees'.

 

[VomitHatSteve]

I'd assume that if your goal is to get a pumping bass beat, you'd want less compression. You want that beat sticking out more, hence you need more dynamics and less compression.

 

[Massive Master]

Just as a "rule of thumb" to an extent -- Unless there's a specific purpose to overdoing it, you generally want to compress as little as possible. You want the elements of the mix to have a dynamic range that works with the mix.

 

[Corndog]

Mix is one thing but compressing the master is another, right???

 

[mixsit]

Mix is one thing but compressing the master is another, right???

I presumed monkie's context was 'tracks = 'songs' -stereo mixes, with the other way of saying it 'mix compression' = 'on the master'
-On the main buss out or on a mix in a separate pass, same apples. (could be wrong)

 

[warlock110]

I have been working on a dance track for a friend that I created and when it comes time to mixdown I'm not sure how much to compress it. On some tracks I can really hear the compressor working hard and I don't want that.

How much should I compress for that style of music? Does dance music really need compression? All the levels have been set to even out but I still can't get that pumping effect.

Thanks in advance for all inputs.

I think the more appropriate question is how to set the attack/release time, how much to compress is quite easy, by simply looking at the curve of the sound file you can already tell how loud is the max and the min, then you can figure out an easy ratio. The attack/release time is much harder to get it right.

 

[RAMI]

Use your ears, not your eyes.

 

[bigtoe]

Just as a "rule of thumb" to an extent -- Unless there's a specific purpose to overdoing it, you generally want to compress as little as possible. You want the elements of the mix to have a dynamic range that works with the mix.

it is so nice to hear a mastering guy say this. kudos.

Mike

 

[VomitHatSteve]

Use your ears, not your eyes.

I only do that because I'm too lazy to learn the numbers I'd need to use my eyes.

 

[Massive Master]

it is so nice to hear a mastering guy say this. kudos.

Most of us over-compress under protest -- Not necessarily because we think it's a good thing...

 

[bigtoe]

keep protesting. - Mike