Should you use compression when mastering?

Like equalization and limiting, compression is an important part of mastering. It’s a great way to add punch to your mix as well as a sense of overall control. Perhaps most importantly, compression can act as the “glue” that ties all the sonic elements together into a cohesive whole.

How do you get good at compression?

7 essential compression tips

1. Use the right compressor for the job.
2. Dial-in parallel compression for the best of both worlds.
3. Expand your sidechain compression horizons.
4. Control your compression with sidechain eq.
5. Compression or eq first?
6. Color your sound with character compression.
7. Don’t compress for the sake of compressing.

How can I improve my mastering?

8 tips to improve your mastering

1. Nail your gain structure.
2. Performing parallel compression.
3. Run your project at the highest resolution possible.
4. Cascading compressors.
5. Don’t over-process the mix.
6. Use reverb to open the soundstage.
7. Don’t use too many plugins or over-process your master.
8. And finally…

What is a mastering compressor?

Mastering compressors are tweaky pieces of gear with widely overlapping controls. To achieve more gain reduction, for example, one can increase the compression ratio, decrease the threshold, shorten the attack or lengthen the release.

What do you need to know about compression in mastering?

In this article, we’ll look at several important tips for using compression during mastering. 1. Know the Basics. Compression works by lowering the level of the loudest parts in your mix – the peaks you see sticking out when you view the waveform.

How to best use a compressor for audio mastering?

Some forms of dance music actually benefit from a little rhythmical pumping from the mastering compressor. For the technique I am going to demonstrate, the compressor will be set up in a relatively transparent way (undetectable to the listener). Side note: The quality of the compressor being used may dictate how extreme you can go with your ratio.

Which is the best tool to use for mastering?

For your purposes, start with these three tools: EQ, compression, and peak limiting at the end of the chain. That’s it. That’s all you likely need. Whether you put the EQ before the compression or after is up to you—I tend to go EQ before, but that’s me.

How is multiband compression used in music mastering?

Because it is more inconspicuous and subtle than traditional compression, multiband compression can be a powerful mastering tool, used for everything from taming overly loud cymbal crashes to tightening up the low end without affecting the rest of the track.