serious question on compression

[FALKEN]

I keep getting hit by viruses and this has delayed the poor man's mastering I've been trying to do on my latest demo/ep/not sure yet. so this gives me the opportunity to ask another question before I get back to the nitty gritty. So far, I've been trying to avoid 'pumping and breathing' on the tracks. I try to learn what I can from this board and there seems to be some controversy on whether this is a bad thing, or if it can serve a purpose if used properly. From what I have experimented with, it sounds like the louder songs might benefit from it. by 'louder songs' I just mean that the arrangement is dense and the instruments are being played loud. is this something that you guys subjectively use to your advantage? or is it to be avoided at all costs? thanks.

 

[Cloneboy Studio]

For the most part the "breathing" part is almost universally considered bad, unless you are using it for special effect. "Pumping" on the other hand has its own particular sound that can be pretty cool for some productions.

I did a death metal band that weren't happy with the drum sounds until they were pumping pretty good. Heck, most Zeppelin drums pumped like a mother.

I'd say it depends on the goals of the production.

 

[FALKEN]

can you please, if possible?, describe the difference between "pumping" and "breathing"? my guess is that pumping is an audible attack and breathing is an audible release?

 

[mixsit]

I would see 'breathing as being the extreme of the two, but also implying bringing up background noise during gaps in the program.
A little bit of extra movement in a mix output can be a nice treat. But when it comes time to do before/after comparisons, maybe with fresh ears I can just as often hear reasons why going more conservative or just leaving it off, is the way to go. But I also don't have any really exceptional 2-buss compressors (plugs mostly) so that's another spot where the conventional wisdom is to say 'proceed with caution'.

Nah. Frikin Go for it.
Wayne