Stereo Buss Comp Before Mastering

Don't feel like you can not use the buss compression when mixing just make sure you know what it is doing to your mix. It should be making an improvement.

I get asked this question every now and then and I say go ahead and use compression on the 2-bus if it is for aesthetic reasons and not to make the track louder. First thing to ask is do you need it. Don't do it just because you think you're "supposed to," or because your favorite engineer does it. If you choose to, then have a reason. For example if the 2-bus compressor is being used to add a pleasing coloration to the sound, go for it. If it's being used for loudness, take it off. Also buss compression is fine as an effect (for color etc) if it is done properly and not for achieving extra level. Don't do anything purely for level. Other than that, whatever makes it sound the way you want is fine. The mastering engineer will take cues about your creative intent from the way you make the mix sound. If you have lots of bass, in the absence of directions to the contrary, one could reasonably assume that you value the bass.

SN: make sure to A/B listen with it level-matched. If you have the output turned up, psychoacoustically you'll tend to be drawn to the louder one. Once you listen to both at the same subjective level, you'll often notice that the compressed one actually sounds worse.

#EveryDetailCounts