Compress Master Fader before deciding on individual fader's plugins?

[Roy Howell]

I know I may get pointed to do a 'Search' on Compression, but still as a matter of personal preference, do any of you guys WAIT to see how say, a c4 on the Master will affect the mix beFORE putting compressors or other plugins on individual faders?

I ask, because I often hear about using a compressor on the master(I do it too sometimes). Yet, how does it affect the compressor you used and tweaked on say, the cymbals?

Does anyone, like me, sometimes use the Master JUST to fade overall volume?

I'm still learning all I can, so thanks...

Roy