Mastering Compressor Recommendation
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- KVRist
- 205 posts since 17 Aug, 2012
i am looking for a mastering compressor for electronic music (especially trance music). what plugin can you recommend. i try 112db big blue compressor. can you recommend any alternative?
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- KVRer
- 1 posts since 4 Dec, 2015
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http://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-kotelnikov/ (http://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-kotelnikov/)-
- Banned
- 22457 posts since 5 Sep, 2001
[DELETED]
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- KVRian
- 715 posts since 3 May, 2007 from UK
API2500 or Kotelnikov 
Not sure I agree with Theo about using a multiband by default. I master a lot of trance and have used a multiband comp precisely once in the last two years. An hpf in the sidechain or medium thrust on the API2500 will help avoid excessive compression or pumping when the kick strikes but the kick should define the groove and a well judged release time will usually work off the kick rather than anything else. It is not necessarily something to avoid or be scared of!
Cheers
Scorb
Not sure I agree with Theo about using a multiband by default. I master a lot of trance and have used a multiband comp precisely once in the last two years. An hpf in the sidechain or medium thrust on the API2500 will help avoid excessive compression or pumping when the kick strikes but the kick should define the groove and a well judged release time will usually work off the kick rather than anything else. It is not necessarily something to avoid or be scared of!
Cheers
Scorb
Last edited by djscorb on Thu Jan 07, 2016 9:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored...
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- KVRAF
- 5664 posts since 7 Feb, 2013
I use U-he Presswerk in parallel mode followed by slight touch of Ozone 7 multiband compressor. This chain does the job for me (I make trance and psy, but TBH I'm not after overly squashed sound).
You may think you can fly ... but you better not try
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do_androids_dream do_androids_dream https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=164034 - KVRAF
- 2908 posts since 26 Oct, 2007 from Kent, UK
Kotelnikov is a very safe bet. I often use it just on the mid channel to 'solidify' the bass (which should all be in the middle mainly). PSP Oldtimer can be very nice for glue. I'm pretty open minded with compressors for mastering. I'll try anything basically but Kotelnikov is used with some consistency here.
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do_androids_dream do_androids_dream https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=164034
- KVRAF
- 2908 posts since 26 Oct, 2007 from Kent, UK
I used to be pretty hardline about using mb comps only for 'repair' type jobs but lately I've started using them more for creative purposes in mastering with some very nice results. I won't deny that they can be very useful in dance music for creating excitement and extra loudness.djscorb wrote:Not sure I agree with Theo about using a multiband by default. I master a lot of trance and have used a multiband comp precisely once in the last two years.
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- Banned
- 22457 posts since 5 Sep, 2001
[DELETED]
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- KVRian
- 715 posts since 3 May, 2007 from UK
I guess that sounds more reasonable 
I usually will use dynamic eq to smooth out any problems before hitting broadband compression if the mix has issues.
Cheers
Scorb
I usually will use dynamic eq to smooth out any problems before hitting broadband compression if the mix has issues.
Cheers
Scorb
I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored...
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- KVRAF
- 3817 posts since 8 Mar, 2006
I currently use u-he Presswerk or Klanghelm MJUC as the master bus compressor.
Both have a HQ mode, both are great sounding and feature rich!
Both have a HQ mode, both are great sounding and feature rich!
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- KVRian
- 1339 posts since 25 Sep, 2011 from New York
From few months ago i started using heavily the Acustica stuff, especially Blue-Mu, Sum 100aV2 and Murano and Titanium. I own almost every compressor out there but, i can not say these are the best but these are the fastest and easiest that get me to a Sound i want and damn they sound good. I also agree with Theo, an MB would do a good Job, my Titanium is an irreplaceable tool while Murano is 2 in one, after the other.
Reality is a Condition due to Lack of Weed!
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- KVRian
- 715 posts since 3 May, 2007 from UK
I've heard great things about Acustica Titanium.
My issue with multiband compressors is that they can very easily screw a mix up. This is why I hesitate to recommend them. The API2500 and Kotelnikov are actually quite hard to screw up and sound great.
I will very often use DMG compassion in split mode to control low end, oe DMG Essence to reign in mids or highs but i find it a lot better to apply these type of "multiband" processes just when they are required and to correct specific issues. I don't think I would ever use a multiband splitting the spectrum up into 3,4 or more bands and using that as a go to mastering process.
Sidechain eq in a compressor, dynamic eq and Kotelnikov GE's frequency dependent ratio usually hurt the music a lot less than multiband in my experience.
I do need to try Titanium though as it is a very different type of beast to most MB comps.
Cheers
Scorb
My issue with multiband compressors is that they can very easily screw a mix up. This is why I hesitate to recommend them. The API2500 and Kotelnikov are actually quite hard to screw up and sound great.
I will very often use DMG compassion in split mode to control low end, oe DMG Essence to reign in mids or highs but i find it a lot better to apply these type of "multiband" processes just when they are required and to correct specific issues. I don't think I would ever use a multiband splitting the spectrum up into 3,4 or more bands and using that as a go to mastering process.
Sidechain eq in a compressor, dynamic eq and Kotelnikov GE's frequency dependent ratio usually hurt the music a lot less than multiband in my experience.
I do need to try Titanium though as it is a very different type of beast to most MB comps.
Cheers
Scorb
I once thought I had mono for an entire year. It turned out I was just really bored...
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- KVRian
- 1339 posts since 25 Sep, 2011 from New York
I don't know, i just love it, sometimes is unpredictable and that's what makes my day.
I own exactly 40 compressors, 90% of the work is done by Titanium.
I own exactly 40 compressors, 90% of the work is done by Titanium.
Reality is a Condition due to Lack of Weed!
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simon.a.billington simon.a.billington https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=341278
- KVRAF
- 2587 posts since 12 Nov, 2014
There's a few great ideas here.
Mainly the thing to look out for is anything that allows you to do low ratios (below 2), anything that allows for fine adjustments (such as 0.5dB increments or less), auto release and adjustable knees can be handy, and some times mid-side functions can be great as well.
Basically anything that has the potential to treat the audio delicately. Once you start processing the stereo mix a little bit of change really does a lot.
Mainly the thing to look out for is anything that allows you to do low ratios (below 2), anything that allows for fine adjustments (such as 0.5dB increments or less), auto release and adjustable knees can be handy, and some times mid-side functions can be great as well.
Basically anything that has the potential to treat the audio delicately. Once you start processing the stereo mix a little bit of change really does a lot.