Quick Answer: What Is A Bus Compressor?

Do you need a bus compressor?

Adding a small amount of compression to your mix bus chain can take your mixes to another level. When done correctly it can add more excitement and cohesiveness as it controls the dynamics of the mix. It helps to “glue” your tracks together. You don’t even need a special compressor to do it!

How do you adjust a bus compressor?

How to Set a Mix Bus Compressor: In Detail

1. Start with a slow attack (maybe 50-100ms) and fast release (maybe 0.2 to 1.0ms).
2. Set your ratio to anywhere between 1.5:1 and 4:1.
3. Ultimately, you’ll want to bring down the threshold so you’re that you’re compressing by anywhere from 1-4 dB during the loudest sections.

How much is a bus compression?

Typically, a stereo compressor setup with a low ratio such as 1.5:1 or 2:1, and a medium attack and medium release, is a great starting point for mix- bus compression. Begin by setting the threshold to give a minimal amount of gain reduction, perhaps -1 to -3 dB.

Should I put a compressor on the master bus?

Master bus compression – quite simply, the use of a compressor on the master or mix bus – can make a profound difference to the overall sonic quality of a mix, binding its individual components together into a cohesive, professional-sounding whole.

Do I need two compressors?

It isn’t necessary to use compression at all but it can be very useful. Obviously if you have two different signals that you want to compress separately but simultaneously then you’ll need two compressors. It isn’t necessary to use compression at all but it can be very useful.

Should I put a compressor on every track?

It’s necessary to add compressors on each track to change the dynamics of the tracks. Generally you should record and mix at appropriate levels so that you don’t need to do any peak reduction to prevent distortion. Compressors give us control over the dynamics of a track.

How do you mix a bus?

Simply create a new auxiliary channel or bus and name it Mix Bus. Then route the output of each channel to the input of the Mix Bus. If you’re already using busses for other channels, just route the output of each instrument bus to the Mix Bus.

How many compressors should I use?

Each compressor on your track should only be reducing the gain by 1-3 dB’s. So instead of using 1 compressor on the bass to turn it down 9dB, try using 3 compressors that are reducing 3 dB each. Though it’s technically the same amount of reduction, your bass is going to sound more dynamic and less compressed.

How do you use a bus compressor?

The first thing to do when setting a compressor on the mix bus is choose the ratio and threshold. Setting these two parameters is quick and straightforward for mix bus purposes. Start with a low ratio – 2:1 is often plenty. Next adjust the threshold while looking at the gain reduction caused by the compressor.

What does a compressor do?

What do compressors do? Simply, a compressor is used to compress a sound’s dynamic range. That is, to make the louder and quieter parts of the sound’s performance closer to each other in level.

What is master bus?

The master bus is the final stereo channel in your DAW’s mixer before your audio outputs to your speakers. It’s sometimes called the stereo bus, the 2- bus or the mix bus. The master bus represents the sum of all the tracks in your mix, but it’s also a track with its own meters, inserts and fader.

What is 2-bus compression?

A compressor designed primarily to process stereo mixes in a console’s or DAW’s 2 – bus. 2 – bus compressors are used to control overall dynamics, to raise the average level of a mix, and to sonically “glue” the mix together into a cohesive whole.

What is a mixing bus?

A mix bus is a way to send or “route” one or more selections of audio to a particular place. Some common destinations or places to route audio are aux sends, subgroups, and your main L/R mix. You will route your desired channels or audio to the bus of your choice (Aux Send, Main L/R, VCA, etc.)