Saturation before or after compression in mastering

[@joseluna3202]

Great explanation! Definitely scenario 2 sounds much better. Saturation after compression brings back the punch feeling that compression took away and adds a very unique warm feeling. Saturation before compression makes the track feel quieter and with no transients, basically very boring to listen to.

[@boogiesnail]

Thank you for your insightful comment! I'm glad you found Scenario 2 more appealing. Saturation after compression does indeed bring back the punch and warmth that can be lost during compression. It’s a great way to maintain the dynamic feel of the track. 🙌🤝

[@joseluna3202]

@@boogiesnail exactly! And the beauty is you still have the glue feeling yet punchy! Love it! Thank you again for your video!

[@boogiesnail]

@@joseluna3202 Thank you! Saturation after compression definitely adds punch while keeping the glue. Glad you loved the video! Keep experimenting!

[@liquidsoul6700]

I prefer the first one in this case. Thank you.

[@boogiesnail]

Thank you for sharing your opinion 🙏🏻👍🏻🤝

[@Griuofficial]

Thanks for the video, I just asked myself that question a few days ago

[@boogiesnail]

Thank you 🙏🏻🤝

[@MR_Cellarpop]

Thanks, best/Mathias

[@boogiesnail]

Thank you Mathias 🙏🏻🤝

[@hburakurgay]

Thanks a lot!

[@boogiesnail]

Always welcome 🙏🏻🤝

[@ratnacomposerstudio]

guess, i like the first one more here in your song as i listen, I use saturations first for many vsts as like you said in my sessions, they require the warmth analog style that is missing in the digital vsts, lot of tweaking hence, but i also use kramer tape, or J37 however very carefully on the master bus compressor SSL comp , coz it is a mix of both approaches, where harmonics are enhanced twice, first on vsts and then on the final mastering stage, and here, i have to be super careful, sometimes i might just ditch using tapes on masters.

[@boogiesnail]

Very well 👍 Your approach to blending saturation and analog warmth into digital VSTs, especially using tools like Kramer Tape or J37 on the master bus with an SSL compressor, is a smart way to enhance their character. Being cautious with tape emulation on the master bus to avoid over-processing is wise, ensuring the mix retains clarity. It's good that you're flexible about omitting tape saturation on the master if it doesn't benefit the mix, keeping the balance between analog warmth and maintaining mix integrity.

[@ratnacomposerstudio]

@@boogiesnail well said sir, in the initial stages of my learning, just at the final mastering stage i would pull on a tape while all the while everything was going right, while most of the vsts did sound so beautiful, but the tape distorted the chain on masters. Took me a while to understand that. Still developing an understanding of using tapes and saturations on masters. 🙏

[@boogiesnail]

@@ratnacomposerstudioThe use of tape saturation and understanding its impact on the mastering chain is a nuanced skill that requires time and experimentation. It's essential to apply tape saturation subtly to avoid unwanted distortion and preserve the dynamics of your mix. Keep experimenting with different settings and tools to find the right balance that enhances your music's warmth and character without compromising clarity.

[@ratnacomposerstudio]

@@boogiesnail 🙌👍

[@michaelwirth6843]

So what was the conclusion?

[@boogiesnail]

Thank you for following the topic 🙏 The choice between adding saturation before or after compression depends on the desired outcome and the material you're working with. It's often a matter of personal preference and the specific needs of the track. A common approach is to experiment with both signal chains and trust your ears to decide which order produces the most desirable results for your music. It's also not uncommon to use a bit of both techniques in different stages of the mastering chain to achieve the best of both worlds. 🤝

[@ratnacomposerstudio]

so well said, i use both techniques as i progress from mixing to mastering stage @@boogiesnail

[@boogiesnail]

@@ratnacomposerstudioThank you for sharing your experience