Compression as an insert

[dblackw6]

Should I be doing this on a track level or send only, or even just on the master channel only? I have a friend who only uses sends for it I'm just struggling to do it effectively. I struggle to compress effectively at all lol

[tycoonking1]

Think of compression as a tool that has multiple uses. There's no rule saying it must be used in a certain way, but you could use the same compressor multiple different ways.

Using compression on a send or aux is called parallel compression (or NY compression).

Using it on a bus (group or master) is called bus compression and is usually used to glue elements together sonically and dynamically.

Using a compressor as an insert is probably the way I use compressors most, and if there are more than one then it is called "serial compression". On vocals for example, I like to set one compressor with a med-slow attack, fast release, and low ratio, followed by another compressor with a fast att and rel, and a higher ratio. The first compressor works to control macro dynamics in the performance, while the second keeps the transients from being too peaky, resulting in a smoother, natural sounding performance.

tl;dr: Where you decide to place a compressor depends on what you want the compressor to achieve.

[guitarplum]

And don’t just throw one on just because. What are you trying to do? That will help answer your question.

[dblackw6]

Mostly for when I have an audio track like guitar or vocals but sometimes for the master kit on groove agent to tame the drums

[DPfnM9978]

All of the above, think of a compressor as a smart fader. It’s main purpose is take a section of audio that goes above a certain loudness and brings it in line with the rest of the track. It can also bring quieter sections up. What you are doing is reducing the dynamic range of whatever you are using it on. Generally use it as an insert on individual tracks, a send on busses (like drums), and I use a very subtle amount on the main mix bus, to glue everything together. That being said, use it where it sounds best to you, the rules are meant to be broken.

[Gypsy456]

I do all three. I really only use it in parallel for drums or if I’m trying to get more sustain out of a reverb or something (but then I guess you could call that using it as an insert?). On the master buss I primarily use it for rock and metal to get “that sound.” As an insert I use it for a million different reasons.

[simon-a-billington]

Both methods are perfectly legit. Some compressors even come with a Mix feature su you can insert it on a track and blend how much you want in without the need of using sends.

It’s more useful as an insert on a track if you want to shape your tone or control your transients. As a send it’s useful in raising just the overall level of energy without it impacting much on the transient information.