What does "back end" mean in mixing?

[Ericlingus]

I'm reading the systematic mixing guide and talks about adding a compressor, eq, etc on the "back end". What does that mean? Does it mean add it on the last stage after every other processing done?

 

[BLUElightCory]

I'm sure Ermz can clarify, but I think he probably means applying processing in the mix / AFTER tracking, as opposed to "front end" processing, which occurs DURING tracking.

 

[mstone564]

Depends on the context.
For example like the "back end" of your snare track is literally the very last thing (like a limiter or something) a snare goes through before it hits the master.

I could be totally wrong, though.

 

[Ericlingus]

Depends on the context.
For example like the "back end" of your snare track is literally the very last thing (like a limiter or something) a snare goes through before it hits the master.

I could be totally wrong, though.

Yeah that's what I'm guessing it means.

 

[guitarguru777]

You would be correct, front end is anything that goes on BEFORE its layed down (light eq, light comp,) Back end is after its down. Its an old ANALOG term.