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Hi Folks,

I'm in the process of mixing the first full album I've ever recorded with my band. My question is this, I generally like the sound better with a compressor like SMACK across the stereo buss. But should I mix a tune or the whole album this way. Obviously it's coloring my decisions from the get go. Should I make all other decisions first and then as the last step put on some mixbus compression? And,lastly, should I deliver the final mix of the whole CD to be mastered with the mixbus compression on th
Hi Folks, I'm in the process of mixing the first full album I've ever recorded with my band. My question is this, I generally like the sound better with a compressor like SMACK across the stereo buss. But should I mix a tune or the whole album this way. Obviously it's coloring my decisions from the get go. Should I make all other decisions first and then as the last step put on some mixbus compression? And,lastly, should I deliver the final mix of the whole CD to be mastered with the mixbus compression on the cuts? Or will this result in too much compression or limit the choices of the person mastering the CD? Any input appreciated! Nice to be here. Thanks....Lonny Jarrett

The mastering guy needs some space below 0 dB fs to do his job. If you stick all peaks at 0 dB fs, and the average level at -6 dB RMS, I think he won't be able to apply all sound improvements he can.
If you appreciate the colour of the SMACK, keep it inserted, but don't use it to pump up the level.

Think also to deliver the files in a high definition format (24 bit 88 Khz is a minimum). This allows a better mastering process and it gives the mastering guy more options for down conversion.