Apply multi-band compression to tighten frequency ranges
Problem: muddy frequency ranges, lack of control
Gain matching is a learning tool, not a requirement
Problem: Over-reliance on gain matching during mastering
Use Purple Audio MC76 over 1176 for vocal compression
Problem: over-aggressive compression on vocals
Use 4-6:1 compression ratio for vocals
Problem: inconsistent vocal dynamics
Mistake: Over-reliance on compressor settings
Problem: rigid compressor settings
Add a limiter for 2-3dB of extra compression
Problem: vocal lacking presence
Adjust preamp and input levels before compression
Problem: inconsistent signal levels, ineffective compression
Apply basic plugin template early in vocal processing
Problem: vocal sounding disconnected from mix
Use DSA at the start of vocal chain to clean up signal
Problem: rough vocal edges, inconsistent dynamics
Use C4 for precise frequency sculpting
Problem: vocal inconsistency, lack of clarity
Use a compressor to 'hold' the vocal in place
Problem: vocal lacks presence or stability
Group background vocals and apply compression for cohesion
Problem: disconnected background vocal layers
Use glue compression on low-end bus for smoother kick/bass interaction
Problem: muddy low end, competing kick/bass
Mistake: Overusing compression on drums with fast attack times
Problem: lifeless drums, lost punch
Set limiter attack time to match the track's transients
Problem: limiter squashing transients or losing dynamics
Use Pro C2 with light compression for mastering
Problem: over-compression, loss of dynamics
Use multiband compression and tube distortion on plucks
Problem: lifeless or undefined pluck sounds
Apply gate reverb for ducking effect
Problem: reverb lacks dynamic interaction
Use side chain compression with a short trigger for tight ducking
Problem: loose, unnatural ducking
Copy side chain compression to multiple tracks for cohesive dynamics
Problem: inconsistent track dynamics
Pre-process vocals with time-stretching before compression
Problem: vocals sound harsh or lose clarity under compression
Use two compressors for vocal dynamics: one for peaks, one for glue
Problem: inconsistent vocal levels, unpredictable dynamics
Set first compressor attack to 1ms for fast transient control
Problem: harsh transients overpowering mix
Use 80% mix on second compressor for natural glue effect
Problem: over-compressed vocals losing character
Mistake: using only one compressor for vocal dynamics
Problem: inconsistent vocal dynamics
Apply tape compression to vocals for a radio-ready sound
Problem: uncontrolled vocal dynamics, harshness
Concept: Compression shapes vocal presence, not just dynamics
Problem: vocal buried in mix
Mistake: Leaving vocals unprocessed with extreme dynamic range
Problem: uncontrolled vocal dynamics
Implement heavy sidechain compression on sub bass
Problem: muddy or competing low end
Compression manages dynamics by reducing loud parts
Problem: inconsistent dynamics, loud sections overpowering others
Use makeup gain after heavy compression
Problem: compressed signal too quiet
Use limiters on individual tracks for transparent dynamic control
Problem: over-compression artifacts on individual tracks
Apply transient shaping to enhance kick/snare definition
Problem: transients lost in limiting
Use mid-side processing to enhance stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image, lack of separation
Use transient shaper or compressor to tame over-loud transients
Problem: transients overpower low end
Maintain transient integrity after limiting
Problem: loss of punch after limiting
Use VU meter to set kick at 0 VU
Problem: kick lacks presence or gets buried
Use fast attack compression on 808 to enhance kick punch
Problem: Kick lacks punch in dense low-end
Adjust output gain post-compression to control peak levels
Problem: Over-compression, excessive peak levels
Gate or compress kick sustain to reduce muddiness
Problem: kick has excessive sustain, muddies low end
Roll off highs on kick if it's too bright/clicky
Problem: kick has excessive high-end clickiness
Apply slow attack compression to the kick
Problem: kick lacks punch or clarity
Balance VU meter at -4.8dB and zero VU for kick
Problem: overloaded kick, lack of headroom
Avoid using compression to reduce kick brightness
Problem: unintended tonal changes from compression
Use slower tight compression on the snare to tighten release
Problem: snare lacks punch or feels loose
Use side chain compression to resolve kick-bass clashes
Problem: kick-bass masking, muddy low end
Limit peaks in bass to avoid masking later elements
Problem: inconsistent bass peaks causing masking
Manage peaks before dynamics processing to avoid compensation
Problem: peaks triggering dynamics processors, loss of headroom