I never switch in 2-bus compression while getting the blend. It is impossible for me to achieve a working mix while fighting a compressor. I always wait until everything is working, but before switching on the automation (not including snapshots taken along the way for safety...). I'll then run it down a few times to close in on a working setting. By the time we get around to printing, I have had plenty of time to find the best setting or settings for the tune.

Dave g http://www.groovestainproductions.com

I like to insert the 2-bus compressor within the first ten minutes of mixing. This takes some practice, because you can end up chasing your tail. And for the first hour, I allow myself to somewhat chase my tail.

With automation its not too much of a problem, because if I'm hitting the compressor too hard by the time I've got every fader up, I can globally bring them down or up accordingly.

The biggest trick is to set the level of the biggest section first, and work from there. That way you're not changing the threshold 5 hours in the mix because you're squashing too much by the end. That can cost you allot of time.

Mixerman

i always leave it to the end. i never work with it on, again... no sense in "fighting it" while mixing. of course im not into these volume wars either so its set for the peak of the song when it finally makes its way in the chain just tickling the GR [if it does at all]. i usually leave it up to mastering. of course i record digitally so its a different approach than analog.

oddly a lot of my stuff lately sounds like there is a lot of compression yet if you saw the mix setup, hardly any is on the mix... and i rarely directly compress but rather mult and mix to taste with the original signal though not on the mix bus.

I'm another "wait 'til the end" kind of guy...but only because I don't usually pick who's going to be the 2-bus compressor until the end. Often, the compressor that I would have originally chosen for 2-bus gets used with in the track and may not be available for 2-bus duty. That's what's nice about having a whole bunch of really good ones around, you can roll with the punches a little easier.