Obviously most of this depends on the style, individual compressor, and using one's ears is always the best. If software, I can also load up some presets and explore. But. (dramatic music) I want to begin a discussion on why certain settings work or do not.

Disclaimer on threshold: This clearly depends on track levels, I get that. Maybe we can reference threshold settings in relation to the peak. For instance "maybe setting the threshold about 10 dbs below the peak will get you warm fuzziness. ." or something like that.

I guess lets start with a general rock/pop mix. .
(maybe we could copy/paste my format to make it easy to read?)

Thoughts about settings regarding:

Bass Drums

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

Toms

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

Snare

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

Overheads

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

Room Mics

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

Snare Bottom

• Threshold:
• Ratio:
• Attack:
• Release:
• Wanted Gain Reduction:
• Opto or Electro:
• Other thoughts?:

We could try and apply this to other styles as well!