7 Mastering Compression Tricks
Compression in mastering can be hard to understand and to actually implement the right way. However, once you learn how to properly apply it, you'll easily understand how important it actually is.
In this blog post, my goal is to show 7 mastering compression tricks you should absolutely try in your next mastering sessions. All of them are from my personal experience, so you're getting the real value.
Please avoid copying any strict values you see in this blog post because every single instrument/vocals/mix/master is different and will require different treatment.
Trick 1: Transparent Compression
FabFilter Pro C2
A transparent sounding compression can benefit your masters in many different ways. The most important of them is tightening the dynamics and controlling the overall energy in a more natural/transparent way.
To achieve this type of compression, here are some useful starting points:
1. Soft ratio - 1.5:1
2. Slower attack - Not faster than 10ms
3. Faster release - Around 60-80ms
4. Up to 1.5dB of gain reduction
Trick 2: Upward Compression
Sonnox Oxford Inflator
Upward compression can bring more details out from your master. FabFilter Pro MB or Sonnox Oxford Inflator can give some great results for this purpose. First increase the effect fader, match the loudness and play with the curve fader to taste. It's that simple with Inflator.
An extra step would be to use this processing in a parallel channel and blend it with your main (dry) channel. However, you always have to be careful with proper routing in order to perform this trick properly.
Trick 3: Fairchild 670 Mid/Side Compression
Looking for unique colouration & character? Fairchild 670 is the tool!
I used Fairchild 670 (Slate Digital FG-MU) in Mid/Side mode so I can compress mids and sides individually.
Make sure to turn of the stereo link function so you can actually control each channel individually (this is the step a lot of people skip so that's why they usually give up on this type of compression).
In terms of gain reduction, 1-2dB maximum will be absolutely enough. Don't forget to go for a bit slower attack and faster release time.
This will not only compress your master, but will also add a very unique tone and vibe that Fairchild 670 offers.
Trick 4: Shadow Hills Trick (My favorite)
Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
My all time favorite mastering trick is to put my Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor in the chain and only run my audio through it since that'll give my sound more tone without actually compressing it.
You can optionally engage compression to gently catch the peaks and barely move the needle on the VU meter.
Don't forget to experiment with different modes it offers: Nickel, Iron & Steel.
Trick 5: Parallel Magic
Pro C2 going into Rare SE and blending the dry & wet channels.
Using parallel compression in mastering can give more fullness and extra touch of compression to your master.
The settings I used here are quite drastic since the goal is to actually overcompress the parallel channel:
1. Faster attack
2. Slower release
3. A lot of gain reduction
4. Hard ratio
Right after my compressor, I inserted this free Pultec emulation from Analog Obsession called Rare SE to bring out the areas I want.
Finally, I created a nice blending between my main & parallel channel using faders.
Trick 6: Consistent Sub-Bass
FabFilter Pro MB
I constantly remind people to make sure their sub-bass is tight and consistent. One of the ways to achieve that is to make sure it's compressed well and actually enough.In mastering, using a multiband compression, you can very gently compress those sub frequencies. However, make sure not to do this without a certain purpose, otherwise you'll squash your master.
Trick 7: More punch
Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
This might not be the best way to use this compressor in mastering, but it worked very well in my case.I first used optical compression circuit to just catch those highest peaks, and then I activated the discrete circuit for another 1dB of gain reduction which resulted in more punch.
This works wonderful, but please be very careful when applying this.
Conclusion:
As I said earlier, mastering is art and not everyone can understand the joy of actually mastering the track and putting your emotions to every single master you do. You either love or hate mastering... there's nothing in between.If you want to add a recommendation for the future blog post and get featured on, feel free to reach to our DM on Instagram or use our e-mail address: marko@md3sign.com
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