Yes, you read that right ! And in this show we also talk about:
- Why mastering compression is all about loudness. Except it’s not.
- How compression in mastering is different than in mixing
- How to make mastering compression invisible
- Ian’s suggested staring-point settings for mastering compression
- Why you might want to use multi-band compression
Links:
Using compression to add punch, warmth and power to your mix
What is compression ? Sponges hold the answer
Multiband compression – the mastering engineer’s secret weapon?
Gregory Scott - Demolishing Compression Myths
Great show. Great explanation of multiband compressors. One aspect you didn't touch on: How do you determine the crossover frequency between the bands? I understand low, mid, high, but I'm guessing there are not standard frequency ranges you use for every situation. Or is there? How do you decide where to set the frequency crossovers? Thanks.
@ DonB: Short answer - start with crossovers at 160 Hz and 3.5 kHz, adjust to suit. But again, I obsess over this less than lots of people seem to - but I'm rarely pushing this stuff really hard.
Thank you!!!!!
I finally undestand compression way better than ever before. I understood it from a nerdy electronic voltage input/output graphing aspect, but the pillow vs punching bag totally made sense and has already translated into a better mix this week.
I did a live recording on Saturday, complete with 80 - 100 dB SPL of PA and foldback. Mixing it this week on an analogue console with loads of busses. Inserting compressors on the busses instead of on the channels with low ratio (1.2 - 1.5) and moderately low thresholds (-15 to -30) allowed me to push the VCAs to increase the volume without going over.
@ Mobile Studio Guy: That's great to hear ! Glad it helped.
Hi Ian
Thank you both for a real nice tutorial.
You really explain it well.
Again thanks.
Bob
I do like the pillows / punch bags / crash mats analogy Ian; thanks!
My particular problem with compression is that on various occasions in the recent past I've struggled to explain it properly to other people. In future it may just be easier to get them to listen to this podcast!
What you said about attack time NOT being some kind of measurable delay before compression starts is an important point to make, because I sense that most people new to audio production think it IS. I held this view myself for longer than I care to admit!
Im thankful for the article post.Thanks Again. Fantastic. Rawling
Thanks so much for this! It really helped me to understand how to use compression and limiting better. The part about attack time being a 'slope' was a real gem of an insight.