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As I dial in my VST- Waves API2500 in Wavelab, it gets louder long before the gain reduction meters start moving. Am I already compressing at this point? Am I doing it wrong?

Wavelab = my attempt at mastering. So this is a compressor across the entire mix.

Thanks!

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Davedog Mon, 11/07/2011 - 07:42

What do you HEAR? Thats what its doing......Also....switch the metering functions to the input and then compare it to the output in both modes...ie: ON and BYPASS. You want a 'steady-state' on the needles on the output. Since this is 'mastering you'll want it right at zero with little deflection.

JohnTodd Mon, 11/07/2011 - 08:34

Hear...is a good idea, but I fear my ears are not trained well enough for mastering. It certainly sounds better to me when dialing it in, but then the next day I'll second guess myself and start hating it. LOL! Curse of an artist.

Dave, I don't understand: at zero with little deflection? Isn't that close to brickwalling, AKA, Loudness War stuff? I don't want that.