Compression on your master channel?

[Nazz]

Hi, I have recently been told that compression on the master channel, before you export your mixdown can make your mixes sound a bit fuller is this true?

Every mix is different but I was told to play around with settings like these
to use a ratio of about 2.0, Threshold around -20 makeup gain about 1.2

Any advice
Thank-you

[D-Verze]

Compression on your master is a part of mastering, thus has nothing to do with mixing.
Your mixdown needs an empty master channel

[equinox]

If you master directly in your project, then you have a mastering chain of plugins on your master channel, but if you do it separately, it is advisable to leave your master empty.

Like you said, every mix is different so I advise you to grab a compressor with graphical display like Pro-C or Ozone/Alloy so you can see what's going on. Also, if you don't fully understand the concept of compression, check some tutorials or courses regarding compression because in the end of the day, it is not the numbers but the result you are after.

About your settings: You can use ratio 2:1 but you can also use 2 compressors with low ratio and low gain reduction and don't forget about multiband compression if that's needed. Setting the threshold depends on how much headroom you left in your mix/how loud your mix is, so -20db doesn't really mean anything. Lastly, I don't know why you would apply make-up gain on master compressor since limiter will take care of this.

[Echidna]

Applying mastering to a live project IMO is absolute madness! Keep the master clear, bounce it with 3-4db headroom (IMO) in 24bit with no dithering then master seperate

[D-Verze]

Equinox, don't give advice if you don't know what you're talking about. Applying live mastering would be somewhere around the most stupid thing to do.

[Crankx]

Good topic, because I'm experimenting a lot with my master channel chain.

Would you say that even if you make beats, you would still leave a clean master ?

So that would be a Limiter and nothing else, limiting everything to -4db for example ?

ATM I'm using a Saturator, EQ and at last a Compressor on the master, and I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome, it's powerfull with dynamics.

I just can't imagine not having anything on the master, even though i try to mix everything nicely together, it just seems like the chain i use now, glues everything nicely together.

[Arboza]

Always leave your master channel clean. Like Darycka said: mastering your track along with the production of the track is a very stupid thing to do, since your mix is changing constantly. My advice is to just MIX every mixchannel seperately when your track is (nearly) done. Leave the mastering to the professionals who know exactly what they're doing.

[Colorblind]

would you get the -4db on master channel by lowering the volume or would you put a limiter?

[ljk32]

would you get the -4db on master channel by lowering the volume or would you put a limiter?

You don't have to be so strict on the values. It can be -5,-3, -4, -3.5, it doesn't matter as long as you have some headroom to play around with for the master. Also, how would a limiter achieve what you're asking? But anyway, the headroom you leave comes from proper gain-structuring as you begin, and while you're working on the track. I've said it before, so I'll just quote what I said:

Here is a great run down on everything it encompasses:
http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=74832

The user 'macc' is a ME and over the first few pages, he goes in-depth about gain structuring and how to properly approach it. Although this is regarding Dubstep, it still makes clear how you should be organising your levels from the start of a production.

It'd be a good idea to read that.

[Colorblind]

i just read alot off that thread and its really helpful, im getting a better idea about what to look for.

thanks for posting that