How much Make up Gain on Busses/Master Chain?

Discussion in 'Mixing and Mastering' started by alwin1, Jan 13, 2021.

  1. alwin1

    alwin1 Ultrasonic

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    Simple question I just want to be sure that I am doing it correctly.

    Let's take the Drum Bus for example:

    - I route all my drums to my Drum Bus, load my bus compressor.
    - Slow attack, auto release, ratio 2:1.

    The meter shows me gain reduction of 4 db, now I go and push the make up gain 4db up.
    Is doing that so the right way?

    Same question for the Master Bus. I really like the weiss master limiter/compressor.
    I load that thing. Fast attack fast release slow ratio. It shows me gain reduction of 4 db, I push make up gain 4db.

    Am I wrong doing it this way?
     
    alwin1, Jan 13, 2021
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  3. Who Me

    Who Me Kapellmeister

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    With a slow attack you will let transients through 'untouched to some degree' so boosting by the opposite of the gain reduction amount isn't going to be the best way to judge it.

    Do it by ear...
     
    Who Me, Jan 13, 2021
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  4. No Avenger

    No Avenger Moderator Staff Member

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    Ok, let's assume you're routing all your channels first to subgroups (no matter how many) and then to the main out.
    You're compressing the the drum bus by 4dB. How much gain make up should you use? I've no clue, like everyone else. This depends solely on the level which with your drums hit the drum bus compared to the rest of your song. You just have to balance it by ear, as @Who Me said correctly.

    The final output of your main out should be at -1TP because this is the main (even if not only) standard for the platforms, no matter the gain reduction.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2021
    No Avenger, Jan 13, 2021
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  5. alwin1

    alwin1 Ultrasonic

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    Thanks for the answers. Actually pretty obvious if you think about it. But yeah, sometimes I am very stupid :)
     
    alwin1, Jan 13, 2021
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  6. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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    A compressor acts differently depending on your attack and sustain. So theoretically you are doing it right, but it could be wrong. Just apply proper gain-staging.

    Tip: Don't have fast attack on the master compressor.
     
    Baxter, Jan 13, 2021
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  7. Jim Von Gucci

    Jim Von Gucci Kapellmeister

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    If you are trying to match the input/output to hear the effect of the plugin but usually less gain and use your ears.
    Otherwise I've seen Andrew Scheps also just use it to add gain so depends what you are going for.
     
    Jim Von Gucci, Jan 13, 2021
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