Just out of curiousity, how do you guys use compressors in your mixes. Like what is your typical routine when you start mixing, do you set compressors from the beginning, during composition, do it afterwards in post? I just started using compressors more seriously and I'm trying to get a good grasp of how to use them properly.

Thanks!

Best,

Gabe
[A S M]

normally, sidechain the kickdrum and bassline, so the bassline 'pumps'. Depends what host/plugs you use as to whether you can use sidechains or not.

I'm no music genius! But, usually compression is one of the last things I do to my mix. Still getting my head round it tho.

For live instruments like drums, guitar and voice you compress when recording them (to even out the levels) then again lightly during mixdown. That advice probably doesn't apply to trance, however. Basically, anything that is generated inside the computer (ie all softsynths) should not need compression until you are ready for final mixdown. As Krim stated, it is typical to add sidechain compression on the bass and kick (the kick is the sidechain input so it compresses the bass on the downbeats). Other compression in Trance is going to be very subtle -- just taming the odd loud bits -- unlike DnB, Trip Hop or Big Beat, which are all compressed significantly. Don't kill your dynamics (the difference between the soft parts and the loud parts) with compression, use just enough to take the edge off.