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[twilightoftheidols]

What kind of bus compressor would you put at the back end of an API 7800/8200 modular console, for compressing stereo rock mixes?  An API 2500, or an Empirical Labs Fatso?  Or perhaps an Avalon VT747SP?

Brendan E.

[Ross Hogarth]

I do not like the Fatso for master buss compression ....maybe someone else but not me.. I find the Fatso a great submix processor.

I really dig the SSL Allen Smart or a Neve 33609 or the API is great too.
Any of the above rock.
The Neve is a bit squishy, the SSL is very radio and the API is really good and versatile too. None are bad choices.

[mwagener]

Given the fact that the API is already a pretty colorful beast, I'd go for something transparent. My first choice would be the Crane Song STC-8. If you wanted to squeeze it more ("radio" as Ross calls it) the Al Smart C2 is the next contender. Another more neutral sounding comp is the Pendulum ES-8, very clean and round sounding.

[antplugger]

Hi Guys,   Sorry for the dumb question, I got into recording at home with a DAW, so dont have the benefit of understanding any if the basics.  

My question is what is bus compression and why use it rather than a compressor as an insert ?

Cheers

[lucey]

antplugger wrote on Sun, 23 May 2004 11:08

My question is what is bus compression and why use it rather than a compressor as an insert ?

two mix or buss compression would be the equal to a stereo compressor inserted on your DAW master channel.



If you're asking why compress a group vs. a number of single channels ... it's a longer answer.

taste, mixing style, retaining the original track dynamics while bolstering the low level material. adding color and/or volume.

compressing the original tracks smashes things too much.  a mix with highly compressed transients sounds small

[Fibes]

Sometimes 2 buss compression can act as a glue. It can also be an evil thing if done improperly.

There are so many advantages to compressiong groups of things like the rhythm section to get them breathing together. It can help with sonic glue or even timing/attack issues. Getting the bass and kick snapping together and blended back into the mix is a great tool for coffee laden hyper bassists playing on top of the beat.