Master channel

[korpse pop]

What kind of plugins should I put on the master channel before I start mixing? Compressor, EQ?

 

[Fyhed]

er, I wouldn't put any kind of plug ins on the stereo bus

 

[Exsanguis]

When I'm mixing, I'll always strap a compressor across the 2-bus, but it usually isn't set for much gain reduction, at most usually 2-3 db, with a low ratio(oftentimes 1.5:1 or 2:1). I'll play around with the release and attack to get a fair representation going on. Although I prefer to do this with outboard gear, if I'm doing this at home or at another small ITB studio, I'll go with a McDSP Analog Channel plugin(if I'm in Pro Tools) or the Waves Rennaisance Compressor(not great, but it does the job). I learned mixing this way, and have always done it this way. It provides a sort of "glue" to the mix, helping it tighten up. One thing you have to watch out for, though, is unseen clipping, so every now and then, bypass the comp and check if you're clipping the master channel, and if you are, adjust accordingly. It can get nasty if you don't. If I'm working ITB, I won't put an EQ on the 2-bus, but if I have some nice outboard EQ's(it depends entirely on whether or not I'm familiar with them), I'll add a really small amount of high end, or, if the EQ's are coloured enough and the mix doesn't need that little bit of sparkle, I'll just put the EQ on the 2-bus and leave all the settings at 0, just to impart the colour. As with everything in recording, though, there are no rules, and you should do whatever works for you. I think Andy used to mix into his Finalizer so his mixes wouldn't entirely be wrecked by the mastering limiting later on. It makes sense to me if I was in his circumstance, but I usually end up having my stuff sent to a ME that I trust, or who historically has done solid work, so I'm sure that my kick and snare won't get entirely messed up in the process.

 

[adrianvillan]

Im guilty of added compression to my 2 stereo bus just to control thing a little bit. I dont add much. but I find it helps. Kind of like mixing backwards/ I never knew if this was right or wrong, I just do what I feel works at the time. the fall into the habit of rountily doing it. In hinsight its probly best to make sure your not clipping before you add anything. Is there a right or wrong way to so this?

 

[kryckan]

I like to mix through a C4 and later on an L2 or similar just to get the feel of what it will sound compressed and limited. That I A/B with the bypassed during the mixing session and the bounce will later on be without the plugins.

 

[Kazrog]

I like to use the UAD-1 Precision Limiter on my master channel, but I spend at least half the time with it bypassed just to do a "reality check."

 

[brandy]

why messing up a mix with mixbus-compression? yea - an Precission Limiter is ok, just to avoid clipping, but not to make it LOUD.

 

[kryckan]

I don't think it's time for another debate about loudness, but I do think some compression on the finished mix, makes the mix sound better. But like I said, I don't compress my mixbus, that I leave for the ME, if it's not me who will master it.

 

[Exsanguis]

why messing up a mix with mixbus-compression? yea - an Precission Limiter is ok, just to avoid clipping, but not to make it LOUD.

If someone is really concerned with making their mixes loud, they won't be using compression, they'll be using a limiter. The compression is used more as an effect or as a mastering precaution to make sure their mix isn't messed up by the ME. I never add gain to the mixbus via compression. I get the balance, depth, image, and tones right, then leave the level and final tweaks to the ME.