compress and maxim my mixes?

[djc8902]

I know the general law of compression..."if it sounds good do it", but im sort of new to this so getting some feedback could be very helpful here. If im NOT getting mixes mastered...would it be unwise to use a compressor like the 1176 or LA2A on the entire mix in addition to maxim, or is that crushing it too much? Ive been told that using maxim and a compressor on the mix bus is just overkill on the dynamics of the mix, but ive also heard arguments on the other side. I sort of like using the LA2A and maxim on my master fader so far, but it does give it somewhat of a squashed sound...not in a bad way. Just sounds warmer with the LA2A over it, and I use the maxim to boost the level. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[stoneinapond]

If it sounds good, then it is good.

In the end, that is all that matters. And no, you are not doing anything strange by using a compressor > limiter. I'm assuming you are using the plug-in versions of the 1176 and LA2A. Not familiar with the two, but try less compression and maybe less limiting or a bit less of one or the other (you get my drift) until it stops sounding too squashed, but is still pleasing.

Best of luck.