Why compress before using a Maximiser? Mastering stage..

Discussion in 'Mixing and Mastering' started by samsome, Dec 2, 2019.

  1. samsome

    samsome Guest

    finally understand why we EQ during mastering...to achieve a tonal balance curve... And cut very lows and highs

    But I still cannot understand why to compress before using a Maximiser, can you give me some reasons? Thanks!
     
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  3. No Avenger

    No Avenger Audiosexual

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    A maximizer is on principle a limiter with an auto gain makeup. Means, it's very fast and has an infinite compression ratio.

    A compressor, although it's also a dynamic tool, has a different effect - mostly. :winker:

    But since you seem to be veery inexperienced, I suggest you better not master your tracks yourself.
     
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  4. Pinkman

    Pinkman Audiosexual

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    Maximizers make everything sound louder (and better if you're into that sort of thing).
    A compressor (used effectively) makes only certain things sound louder.
     
  5. Smoove Stack

    Smoove Stack Kapellmeister

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    in a few words, ... you compress the final mix to shape the dynamics over the spectrum (usually, in pop/elctronic music with it's internal side chain's low pass filter enabled and smoove envelope timings, and make use of a lookahead limiter to finalize the process, reducing overall dynamic range, this way giving to the mix an apparent loudness boost.
     
  6. AlmostNormal

    AlmostNormal Member

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    I guess your question could also be "Why compress before using compressor/limiter?"
    In my opinion there's no exact answer... Sometimes you like the subtle saturation an old analog compressor gives, so everything sounds "glued". Sometimes your final mixdown have too much peaks, so you need to control them, and you use a compressor so the limiter doesn't do all job alone. It's like moving the furniture in your house, you can do it by yourself, but if you have someone helping it is much easier.

    I would recommend watching this playlist by FabFilter (yes, the plugin developer), they are very elaborate and explanatory: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6e8wfdmIuLEDpO3rd5jORcqsLrxCe9wX
     
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  7. Trurl

    Trurl Audiosexual

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    A compressor on a master buss can give a nice punchy effect to your mix that's good- in a different way from the limiter. Or, it can wreck it beyond all hope into a pumping mess. That last one is more likely unless you're really careful... Of course, on some music a pumping mess is exactly what you want. It all comes down to whether you like what you hear or not, at the end of the day...
     
  8. mixedbymatty

    mixedbymatty Noisemaker

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    I don't use compression when mastering usually. Most music is already compressed quite a bit. I find I usually only need some small EQ moves. Then clipping limiting as needed.
    Now if we are talking just mixing. Bus compression can be helpful. I'm a big fan of multiband compression on the stereo bus. With an emphasis on the mid frequencies.
     
  9. Misterguywick

    Misterguywick Producer

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    haha i watch your videos. welcome
     
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