Compression without Compression

I use the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor for vibe, not compression.

I just run my audio through it, drive it a little and then I select the transformer style that sounds best for the mix.

Do you do this with any other compressors?

#compressor #plugin #mastering #mixingandmastering

[rajdasoundgod]

Puigchild 670 is what I use for the color and warmth

[divypota]

I do one of your other tips - control the low end of the whole mix, then go into the shadow hills and give it a little GR love (not more than 2-3 dB max), then boost lows with multiband after.

[DeRaNgEdOfficial]

I utilize both versions time to time. But honestly, I enjoy the spl iron as my go-to. I just love that compressor.

[stepanzhitkov]

I use Neve 33609 on rock music without compressing the signal. SSL bus in other genres. And different vari mu on acoustic-instrumental music.

[robheskin]

Pro tip when using it this way is automate the different transformers to change on different beats or sections of the songs to bring in some flavor.

[rubenzemog]

I use Kazrog True Iron for that purpose, which sounds amazing to my ears

[monu-zgql]

Pulsar vari mu is amazing for some harmonics and tone, love it on my busses.

[jimphilogene]

I use the tube compressor in Cubase the same way. Just for the color it adds.

[Thearcherfl]

I love to use it a as my drum bus glue.

I don’t master with it as I have hardware I run through. But for an all around great compressor this thing can go in anything

[EvilBlakey]

What surprised me about the SH mastering comp (the A version) is how good it works on bass guitar! It adds a lot of punch and clarity, even on fast and heavy death metal bass

[yobhsiFehT]

Honestly, I SHOULD use it this way because trying to use it as a compressor just seems to send me down rabbit holes I don’t wanna be down 😝 lol

[aleciocosta]

Pendulum OCL2 and Crane Song STC8 here . Love both.

[EnoraRecords]

Maybe I’m using just a tiny bit of compression but I’m doing about the same as you describe. Came to the conclusion that I only liked the coloration it gives. I’m usually landing it around 0.5 db compression but I really don’t think I need it as there are some other compressors doing that job.

[Bert_Fromarketin]

I use the Tone boosters compressor just like that...some reason it LIFTS everything or should I say brings the mix into focus.. nice vibe..🔥🔥🔥 I don't touch the controls...just sounds really good

[LeakBanga]

The SSL or Neve works similar when it comes to running sounds

[b.hornetiii.]

I bought my first high end tube mastering hardware unit a month ago, next year when I will have 10 of those kind of "mastering boxes" I will (no doubt) use some of them like that. Less is more. 😁

[georginikolov]

The hw might color the sound but the plugin not really.For color kazrog mfb is unbeatable.I also like Acustica Audio Lime bundle very good color

[matsai_music]

Hi Streaky, I'm not sure I understood how you use this plugin exactly? I've got this plugin (the Plugin Alliance version, not the UAD version which seem to sound different). Which version do you have?

[CobyRandalMedia]

I've heard of this before, but how do you know what difference it's making besides the vibe? What is it doing to the audio? Use your ears yes, but what if you discover it's been on bypass the whole time 🤣? Do you have some tools to help you measure?

[RolandDeschain]

The CLA-3A is magic if you just put it on guitars. Maybe balance match a bit.