How to use TDR Kotelnikov for mastering | Mastering tutorial | Mastering Explained

TDR Kotelnikov and TDR Kotelnikov GE from Tokyo Dawn Labs are two fantastic compressor plugins. And one of them is free!

In this tutorial Thomas will show the basics of using Kotelnikov, both the free version and the GE version, as well as a couple of tricks to use when mastering.

💚 Sofia & Thomas

[TerenceKearns]

Fantastic walkthrough. So glad I found this channel.

[nersonangelo]

Dan's walkthrough of this plugin is amazing but somehow I understood this more maybe it's a bit more at my level of understanding. :)

[TheArkhamRebellion]

I've only recently fully understood how to use the dual release element of this plugin and it's absolute magic on the mix bus. This video was really helpful in cementing some of those ideas for me, cheers!

[no.john]

very nice and clear review, I'm using a free version for a while then I switch to the paid version, Kotelnikov GE is my fav tool very transparent and versatile in excellent price, I always put in mastering chain

[moritzathaher]

This is my new favorite compressor. Thank you for explaining.

[johnford]

I use Kotelnikov in Equalizer APO to reduce gunshots in games. I think some of the features you mentioned may help me, specifically setting the compression the middle of the stereo field.

[adventdude]

Very nice overview, thanks. I thought I'd add that I was actually able to get TDR Kotelnikov on the mix buss to make a somewhat solo acoustic guitar recording (recorded with two small-diaphragm condensers) sound smoother and, at the same time, more natural. Quite a nice surprise. I've used it with reasonable success in mastering a full-band mix too, though I found that I had to dial out the RMS component completely to make it sound its best.

[tomassofianopoulos]

Excellent video & presentation i have both and iam more than happy what a great compressor!!

[jacksmith]

01:25 yeh that makes sense, but TDR Kotelnikov is a very transparent compressor. I use TDR Molotok or Focusrite RED3 or Analog Obsession BUSTER SE (ssl modelled) for character, I would never use TDR Kotelnikov as a character compressor.

(EDIT: glad I watched to the end as your explanation makes total sense thanks)
For me TDR Kotelnikov is more of a precision tool for very specific jobs when I want a little bit of compression but making minimal character changes.
Not saying you are wrong to use it as a character compressor, just surprised you did not choose TDR Molotok instead as its got far more character and has options on that character too.
However I am not really a Mastering engineer, I only Master my own stuff out of a need to, so I am interested to see what you do here

[MaxMilan-ir]

At 4:45, what does it mean to "give the loudness advantage to the bypassed version"? How does this work in practice?

[TheCoreys]

I can’t get it to sound good on the masterbus, it either compresses too much or won’t glue the mix, maybe the crest or knee settings have to be tweaked somehow to match a classic VCA masterbus compressor?

[DjSentenced]

i got a noob question, ive been looking on your channel but i cant find how i can see the Kotelnikov interface as you show on your video, i mean the grafic barr fo the gain reduction Db i cant see how much it fluctuates. and i suppose you need another program to display it? can you help me? what program i need to test and see how everything is changing. im new on this trying to Compress louds sounds on my headphones.

[heavymetalmixer]

What are your go-to values for the Knee and for what kind of signal?

Funny fact: The Ying and Yang buttons on Kot GE are based on Low Color and High Color in the TDR Feedback Compressor 1 (still available on their site for free, just like the second one).

[insertanynameyouwant]

have you compared it with Weiss compressor module? They said Kotelnikov was designed with Weiss hardware in mind