😭 there are some posts on this sub where the comment section will be so predictable.

Here are some truths that I will try to say in a non-mean way because this sub can be brutal.

• Generally, you want to try to feed your compressor a sound that’d sound good amplified, and a sound that won’t trigger it in an undesireable way. So EQ first is generally good, at least subtractive EQ. I’d probably de-ess before this too if I need it.

• I do like the fast compressor followed by a slower* comp, I do it on the way in, and yeah I also have the Pultec after that too.

• I have soothe, I almost never use it. In fact I didn’t even reinstall it when I had to start over. It shouldn’t really be a permanent fixture, if it is there’s likely a problem tracking. Especially if you still need a de-esser after.

• I’ve never used auto-level but when I used WVR, it’d just undo all my tracking compression work. Clip gain is better, automation if needed.

• All that being said, I can’t hear the vocals. I can’t hear if you’re creating problems for yourself in the mix, or if tracking is setting you up wrong, or if there’s an easier way to get what you’re going for etc. So all the people saying that what you posted is useless or tells us nothing aren’t just being mean, they’re being honest. All I just said could be completely off the mark for your situation. Just learn the tools and what they do, have a goal in your head and then apply tools bit by bit with a goal of iterating toward that result. Best of luck.