Compression on tracks and then on Master

[nsureit]

Originally Posted by Lupin

actually the voice and instruments are good. it is the post processing I applied that kind of screwed it up and sometimes I don't even know how to undo it. For example on the first song recorded that I mentioned. I used Beat Detective and adjusted timings but it kind of shifts everything around like in a wave with flotsam and I don't necessarily like it. And, perhaps one of the tracks the amp that needs to be periodically charged was not strong enough and I am getting some distortion there. And somehow I had applied (unknowingly) some automation so I had to work on undoing it well you get the idea...just comedy central. Interestingly enough everyone likes the track lol but I hear and see the errors in there.

I use Focusrite 212, Shure SM58, Boss Compression CS-3 pedal that's about it ...

Don't use a compression pedal when recording, just use the mic and your interface preamp. You want a clean, un-effected recording (in my opinion). Compress it later in the mix.

Pro Tools creates backups for your session. Locate your session file folder "Session Name", find the subfolder named "Session File Backups", find the oldest backup file ["session name.bak.000.ptx]- this will be the original session/track, double click on it and Pro Tools will open the original session with the original track before you mixed it. Then, you can start over and mix your track from scratch.