Mixing help

[drawbackwards]

Hi,I have a question during the mixing process. Ok let's say I set my levels on my mix where I have a good starting point. So let's say on a bass guitar I have some compressors working together to achieve my sound on that track. Now I realize I like the compression sound I'm achieving but I want to lower the bass volume. Should I not touch the fader ever again for that track as now it will effect the level sent into the compressors? So I should either use the last compressors output or put a trim plugin at the end of my plugin chain? It just seems crazy that I can not touch that fader anymore once i start adding effects and I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong or theres a better way to do it. Thanks so much in advance, this is always such a great and helpful forum.
Take care, Mike

[ErBird]

The track volume fader is post-fx. So if your bass compressors are on the bass track and not on a separate bus, adjust the fader all you want.

[martmix]

Originally Posted by ErBird

The track volume fader is post-fx. So if your bass compressors are on the bass track, adjust the fader all you want.

Compressors, for me, only go on individual tracks (and never on the master bus, ffs). Some people use elaborate routing setups, multiple busses and sends all over the place. They would run into the problem you're describing.

right on thanks for the clarification

[drawbackwards]

Thank you so much, this was exactly what I was asking about. Much appreciated!

[valy]

It's good to get into the habit of maintaining unity gain as you apply track processing.

So if the compressor is reducing the bass volume by about 3 dB, increase the output gain on that compressor by 3 dB. That way, you won't be fooled by volume when A/Bing the compressor to see if you like it (louder always sounds better, so it screws up your ability to make good judgments).

If you do this, you won't have to adjust the track fader a whole lot -- although you can still do that if you need to, since it's post-FX as ErBird mentioned.

[DVDouglas]

if the compressor is reducing the bass volume by about 3 dB, compressors are on the bass track. I did it and it worked. Thanks for the help.