Using a compressor plugin while bouncing to disk

[sw rec]

”what's the point in having a plugin compressor on master fader?
You want a hardware treatment if you are releasing that stuff for money. If you don't have that spice on your rack your ME should have.”

I use a Shadow Hills mastering compressor from UA on pretty much every session I do. The point is, it’s a totally kick-ass piece of software that emulates the hardware splendidly, but everything stays “in the box,” and it’s a LOT more cost-effective! I’m curious whose rule it is that says if we want something like this, we have to buy the hardware.

[albee1952]

Here's another POV; If it sounds good to you, any compressor will work. BUT, if you are doing this because somebody said "you need to use a compressor", then I would re-evaluate a bit. The best plugins to use are the ones that give you the result YOUR mix needs(what works for the next person may be meaningless if their tracks aren't identical to your tracks.

Yes, always use a Master track, (OR use a master bus to a master AUX). Not only because those options give you a place to use plugins on the whole mix, but also because they let you see metering so you can avoid clipping(its amazing how much clipping can go unnoticed while mixing)

Some alternative plugins for an entire mix:
Waves SSL Bus Comp
Cytomic's The Glue(their version of the SSL)
Slate Grey(their version of the SSL)

Last 2 cents; are you sure its compression you want and not brick-wall limiting? These are 2 somewhat different animals. Compression is more for "glue" but NOT for raising levels(which is what a mastering limiter does a better job of). Some mastering limiters"
Waves L1, L2,L3
Slate FGX
IZotope Ozone(limiting is one of several functions within 1 plugin)

[Jim_Norman]

Thanks to all for your responses and suggestions. My original query regarding if compressor inserts worked when bouncing to disk was answered today when I successfully bounced some sessions using a Neutron 3-band compressor and a Waves WLM Plus meter for raising levels and limiting peaks as inserts on a Master Fader. I will review all of your comments again and look into the suggested alternate solutions.

Thanks.
Jim Norman

[TOM@METRO]

I've used the PIA "elysia mastering compressor" on the master fader without complaints.