Compress or Volume Automate First?

[Ken Newton]

G’mawnin,

I know this is not a hard fast rules question but…I’m more hoping you will share your logic.

Thanks!

Ken

[Heinz Hupfer]

HI:)

 

First of all I make a copy of the Track and Archive it!

I'm starting with Clip Gain automation for too loud and too soft pieces. Listen with the rest of the Arrangement

For Voices next I lower sharp "s", "t", "sch" and perhaps "P", not with automation.

Sometimes I cut those and put it on another track and now I can make them  softer. Never heard a really good Deesser!

Then Compress everything, but not too heavy, max 3:1, 5-6 dB Gain Reduction. On Bass or Synths much more, 8:1 (10 dB)

Next Equalize it.

Effects for the Track.

Perhaps change again some pieces, with Reverb and Delay you can hear bad behaviours much more.

At the End Track Automation with the Rest Mix.

I don't like Compression so I always try to use it very subtle.

 

Hope that helps;)

Bassman.

 

[Ken Newton]

Thank you Hans!

[Will.]

It literally depends on your style in your genre. If its not needed - its not needed.It is that simple. 

If it is needed. 

[John Vere]

It’s all about choices. 
1- destructive or none destructive editing.

2- methods that alter the sound and methods that won’t. 
 

Lately I’ve been using a destructive method -Melodyne. 
I can deal with not only pitch but timing and amplitude. When done the vocal track is pretty even through out. Then I still push them gently through a compressor to bring them forward. 

Edited September 3, 2022 by Cactus Music

[jackson white]

ime, pretty dependent on the singer and the desired impact for the LV. fwiw, tend to run with gain adjustment first if needed, then comp settings for effect and ride volume adjustments in the mix.