What's the deal with compression?

[frank_1]

--IS compression limiting and gateing in one unit?

--Should I use compression for the mix (seperate instruments) ,or during mastering? What are the benefits of both ways? Which way is better if there is a better way?

--Is rack mount compression units different from pedal units in quality of sound?


--Recomendations on units?

 

[Shailat]

--IS compression limiting and gateing in one unit?

You can find units that have both compression/limiting and gate/expanding

--Should I use compression for the mix (seperate instruments) ,or during mastering? What are the benefits of both ways? Which way is better if there is a better way?

They are 2 different things with different concepts.
No effect can be used in a global way, be it compression or reverb or delay etc....

You can use compression on individual instruments in a mix
but you first need to understand what do you want to acheive from the use, before you patch it in.

I would start by understanding what compression does and then how it effects different instruments.
Once you understand, you will understand why on a full mix to apply a compressor and when.
Check this out as well as the link to another article written by Ed Rei
http://www.Geocities.com/Shailat2000

Use the search as well. There is tons of info here.