How do you use limiters/compressors?

Are you dealing mostly with acoustic instruments or synths/samples ? That's makes some big difference when we talk about compression imo.

you'd get a lot more out of this if you asked a specific question you should just start using them and when you run into a specific problem ask away

Old school comment: Don't use compression unless the dynamics of the particular track don't work in the mix. I was trained in the analog days - 4:1 TOPS for Bass and Vocals, and only when the performance had uneven dynamics. This "modern" idea (started with the first digital consoles) of compression/limiting on every single channel and track, whether it needs it or not, IMO just destroys any natural dynamics of the original source. "In my day" (I'm over 50), GOOD bass players and GOOD vocalists knew how to control their dynamics and no or little compression was needed. It was a process mostly reserved for a)poor players and b)the final mix, but never more than 4:1 Of course, times change... I fully realize a LOT of young engineers slather comp/limit on every single track, 10:1 or greater in some cases, plus 4:1 on the mix and a little bit more in mastering "just to be sure". But IMO, none of the folks doing this have any appreciation of REPRODUCING THE DYNAMICS that were in the room that day. Just ONE GUY'S OPINION. Flame suit on. :) Jedi

I am not a professional but perhaps you'll learn something from my mistakes and whatever else I've made: I read once about adding an "ambience / room" track for a drum recording by taking the mix and compressing it like crazy, then adding some reverb and color to it and mixing it in with the drum recording. I tried this and found it sounds alright during a full-sounding part, but during any phrases with a lot of space or dynamics it sounds pretty bad. Maybe someone can get something decent out of process like that, but in my tweaking it just sounded unnatural. I'm not the best drummer, but when I attempt a ghost note, I don't want it sounding as loud as the snare hit on 3. I've been doing a podcast with a friend, using Reaper as a live mixer, and I think I've gotten pretty good results. Neither of us have any experience doing it, or speaking into mics at all really, so I used ReaGate to silence either mic while one of us wasn't speaking, ReaEQ to get some clarity (I hope), and ReaComp and then Masterlimiter (or eventhorizon, I don't remember which it was) to help out with the levels. I think I used some makeup gain after that, but we got a pretty constant volume level out of it. He tends to get closer to the mic, so I used a higher ratio on his channel than mine. It's not perfect- there is still distortion if we're too loud, and if we don't speak into the mic the gate gets choppy, but when we're paying attention to what we're doing it's pretty transparent. Speaking a little to nofish's question about synths and stuff, I really dig sidechaining the kick and a string / pad / etc to duck the synth under the kick. I like to set it so the ducking is really noticeable, almost like someone is letting off the keys. Less noticeably, I've had minor success ducking the cymbals under the kick drum. I don't know how well that would fit in a mix, perhaps it depends on the song, but I did think it was interesting as an effect if not too in-your-face about it.

Compressors and limiters can be used both surgically and creatively. Surgically would be to even out dynamics of a particular track or buss while still sounding natural. Creatively can be squashing stuff to your hearts desire. Some compressors also add mojo, warmth, tone and distortion depending on the type and how you use them. That is why suites of effects like T-Racks and even AmpliTube have more than 1 type of compressor and limiters.

Wow! T-Racks and Amplitude sound fantastic!!! Where can I buy these amazing products?

On the internets! But really you can go to just about any pro audio retailer, both online and brick and mortar stores to find our software. You can also buy from our site.

I was being sarcastic. I like you and the company you work for but you're getting a little "spammy".

Spam you say? Have you tried new Spam with 20% less cartilage? It really hits the spot! Signed, Spam Messageboard Representative 436

Sorry I was just answering your questions.