Pushing level into this will cause the compressor to react. Setting the threshold creates a 'ceiling' for your mix.
However, using a mix bus compressor can have a similar effect. Mixing in the box, we do not have the benefits of analog circuitry and cannot push signal into the red. This caused the console to saturate and compress the signal, creating a pleasing sonic timbre.
In the analog days, mixers were able to push levels into the red without the fear of harsh digital clipping. Most importantly, it can help to add emotion and impact to a mix. It can also help to smooth out transient peaks and raise the RMS levels. It can help to bring out subtle elements in the mix, creating greater sonic depth.
It can help the music to breath and move as a whole. So, why use mix bus compression?Ĭompressing the mix bus can do many things for your music. However, it can seem like a dark art if you are new to mixing. Many top engineers swear by it, claiming that it can add depth, punch, and glue to a mix. Mix bus compression can be a mysterious and confusing topic for novice mixers.
