Mix bus compression confusion

[Broken_Hal0]

Hey again , Well I have been having a rough time figuring out how to mix "through" a compressor before I do my mixing within sonar 7. I just cant wrap my head around how to route the signal into a comp (either plug in or hardware) . The problem is that , when I send my audio out from sonar it goes out the master which in turn has all of my bussed groups that have effects on them being passed through the compressor after . Im new to mix buss compression but I was under the assumption that the signal goes through the compressor first. If anyone has any good info on this , as well a proper technique to start from for mix bus compression that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[iqi616]

I can't help you with the Sonar question but I do sometimes mix through a compressor. I set the ratio to around 2:1 with a medium attack to let the detail through. I set the threshold so it applies a couple of dB of compression. I set the release so that the signal recovers in time for the next beat (do this by ear, not by a delay-to-BPM table because the release time doesn't match up with that).

Not much to say about mixing into it other than needing to be just as careful when mixing with it as without it. Also, don't try to use it as a way to boost the loudness of the mix - that's for the mastering stage. It's more about helping tighten up the sound a bit and helping it pump (if you've set the release time correctly). The loudest elements in the mix cause it to attenuate and that effectively ducks the other instruments.

 

[Weasel9992]

If you're using a plugin, just insert it on the 2-buss channel. Mix to taste...some stuff just requires a little kiss with the compressor...other material asks for a good hard thumping. Experiment to decide which one is right for you.

If you're using hardware you'll have to come out of the DAW to the inputs of the compressor. Lots of compressors come with a "link" button that allows you to control both channels with the controls from one..usually channel 1. Tweak to taste, the exit via the compressors output and back into a stereo input channel in the DAW. Record the new signal...you're done.

Frank