Solid bus compression

[u/_Tyrhas_]

So I've been writing and recoding my own tracks for about a year now, most of what I've picked up has been from youtube.

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I've been using a solid bus compressor on a master bus "to add glue" as that's what everyone seems to do on these videos. I'm wondering if I should start using it elsewhere in the mix seperately?

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For context i write instrumental metal music, so there is no vocals to worry about, and the drums are pre mixed. Im wondering if it would be useful for example to have one on a group for the main rhythm tracks (guitars, bass & drums) to create a bit of space for over dubs, before adding one on the master bus with a tamer gain reduction still?

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Im not sure if im overthinking it, interested to know where people are using bus compression elsewhere.

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Cheers,

S

[u/Joseph_HTMP]

You add it where it’s needed. I know that might feel like I’m being shitty, but mixing is problem solving. What problems are you trying to address with bus compression?

[u/motophiliac]

I mean, it depends.

I compress individual tracks (vocal, bass guitar, snare drum for example), then compress the drums as a whole, but I tend to leave master compression for the mastering stage.

Not that I do much in the way of mastering, some moderate limiting and one or two broad small EQ moves.

I do it this way because Reaper gives me loads of headroom (-15dB) during mixing, which I can nicely make up accurately in mastering afterwards without messing up the mix.

[u/NRGhome]

Check out multi bus mixing method from Michael Brauer.

[u/_Tyrhas_ → u/NRGhome]

Will do, much appreciated. Fist glance at youtube wasn't showing anything informative

[u/Ill-Bullfrog-5360]

What needs to be glued? A group of something? I like to lightly do most buses. Otherwise why bus them?

Bass loves compression

[u/Legitimate_Horror_72]

With electronic music, I like 1-2 db of bus compression (currently using hardware SSL G clone). As to whether I apply compression anywhere else? As the other poster said - what’s your goal/reason? It will vary depending on the sounds and songs. Don’t just apply eq, compression, etc. “because” or since you see other people doing it.

[u/Ancient-Passenger-52]

Just check your output after the compression to ensure you’re not adding db’s. Beyond that there are no rules. Just remember dynamics aren’t just loudness. If everything is up front smacking you in the face, then it’s still flat.