Help needed on compression by somebody who produces electronic music. (please)

I'm a sonar X1 user and I'm in need of a bit of compression help from a professional. About 5 years ago I released a number of tracks on various record labels. I never once compressed the tracks, I only used a limiter. After a 4 year break from producing I am now trying to get back into the swing of it. Listening back to my tracks I notice that the lack of compression on the tracks has a detrimental effect and going forwards, I would like to make sure that all tracks are mastered properly before sending out to a label.

My problem is, I can't get my head around the use of a compressor. I have used Pro channel and it has an effect but I feel I lose the dynamics (and the pumping effect of the track) when pushed too far. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to compress the track within an inch of it's life or make it MEGA loud, but I would like to 'gel' the tracks together into the final mix. The only other compressor I own is Fabfilter Pro C, I bought it after I heard all the positive reviews but I'm still finding it difficult. 

So my question is, as cheeky as it may be, is there anybody that would be willing for me to send over a 10-20 second snip of my track and use their own techniques to compress the track and just show me how they improve the finished article. For anybody that produces this type of music it may be fairly simple and may even give them a bit of extra practice at mastering somebody else's music. If anybody is interested please reply or PM me and I will get the snippet of the track over to them.

I'm really looking for somebody who is well versed with house/electronic music who reckons they know how to improve the track. (and maybe let me know the settings they have used to achieve the end result). 

Daniel1


I'm a sonar X1 user and I'm in need of a bit of compression help from a professional. About 5 years ago I released a number of tracks on various record labels. I never once compressed the tracks, I only used a limiter. After a 4 year break from producing I am now trying to get back into the swing of it. Listening back to my tracks I notice that the lack of compression on the tracks has a detrimental effect and going forwards, I would like to make sure that all tracks are mastered properly before sending out to a label.

My problem is, I can't get my head around the use of a compressor. I have used Pro channel and it has an effect but I feel I lose the dynamics (and the pumping effect of the track) when pushed too far. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to compress the track within an inch of it's life or make it MEGA loud, but I would like to 'gel' the tracks together into the final mix. The only other compressor I own is Fabfilter Pro C, I bought it after I heard all the positive reviews but I'm still finding it difficult. 

So my question is, as cheeky as it may be, is there anybody that would be willing for me to send over a 10-20 second snip of my track and use their own techniques to compress the track and just show me how they improve the finished article. For anybody that produces this type of music it may be fairly simple and may even give them a bit of extra practice at mastering somebody else's music. If anybody is interested please reply or PM me and I will get the snippet of the track over to them.

I'm really looking for somebody who is well versed with house/electronic music who reckons they know how to improve the track. (and maybe let me know the settings they have used to achieve the end result). 

It takes years of experience to master compressor's and such dynamic tools like gates, expanders... 
Trail and error is the best way to learn how it behaves and work.

FWIW, I'll bung in my opinion here, although I am barely qualified to do so.

Regarding compressors, I had more success using a multiband compressor during the mastering process (I used to use Soundforge 10 and it would use the same Sonitus VST plugs as Sonar).

If I had any "issues" with a particular track (them pesky transients) then I would use a normal compressor, but only after I had tried to remove some frequencies with a graphic EQ. I'm no pro, so Sonitus is fine kit for what I do.

Regarding the graphic EQ... I master with the same speakers that I mix on (shock horror!) because I can't afford the money or space for the right kit. My monitors have a limited frequency range, and I used to use the graphic EQ to cut everything out of the mix above and below that range. Synthesisers are able to create sounds that are well beyond our listening range, but which still take up space in the mix, and can destroy speakers, or so I am told...

As I said, I am barely qualified, but I did a lot of experimentation at the time. I've now got to get back into it myself after having some "time off."

CJ, I didn't realise that multiband compressor's were only used to fix a bad mix. That's interesting. 

CJaysMusic

Regarding compressors, I had more success using a multiband compressor during the mastering process (I used to use Soundforge 10 and it would use the same Sonitus VST plugs as Sonar).

Multiband compressors are used for correcting a bad mix. so if you need to use a multiband comprtessor, then the song should be re-mixed.

Hi CJ :)


As I said, I really am not qualified to give advice on this subject, and perhaps I should have kept my opinion to myself. I'm just a humble mechanical engineer that has a bit of spare cash and has always had a love of electronic music since watching Dr Who in the mid sixties. 


It is highly likely that my music is mixed badly, but that is not why I use a multiband compressor. In fact, the only reason I use one is because they are available and I thought "what the hell..."


Just a thought CJ, and considering that the OP is asking for some help on compression, could you please elaborate on your statement?


cheers


andy


Oh, and Linear, thanks for the Wiki link :)

Just a thought CJ, and considering that the OP is asking for some help on compression, could you please elaborate on your statement?

Multiband compressors are ralrely used in the mastering stage, especially if you can go back to the mix and fix whats wrong.
 
Cj

Well good luck with your efforts Daniel... I've just finished downloading and installing Sonar Producer Expanded and I'm thinking OMG! I've got so much choice, in terms of effects, and therefore so much more to learn... I don't think I'll see my life out before I'm done to be truthful lol

I'm just going to have to chip away at stuff a bit at a time...