CHAPTER 8Shaping Dynamics

The various mastering compressors have such different qualities. Some are loved for their punch, warmth, vintage tone, smoothing, general character, or maybe the way they treat high frequencies. Their strength also might be their functionality, to tame dynamics, and to minimize the effects of limiting. Every compressor is different and usually takes time to “get.” Of course, it would take much more than a chapter to fully describe the nuances of every mastering compressor, so the common ideas are described here.

Compression is actually far less of a factor in today’s professional mastering than most beginners would believe. There is so much hype surrounding compressors that it misleads many people about the significance ...

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