Finding Your Sound with Mix Bus Compression

As we reach the final chapter of our Mixing Guide 101 series, we turn our focus to one of the most frequently applied techniques for mixing: mix bus compression. We’ve explored the mindset, considerations, and different techniques to apply while mixing. And shown you how creating a mixing template can improve efficiency and craft your sound. In this concluding article, alumnus and guest writer Carlos Bricio discusses Finding Your Sound with Mix Bus Compression.

Many engineers consider mix bus compression the sound of records. It shapes the whole mix, bonds everything together, and can give mixes a distinctive tone and character.

In particular, we take a look at traditional mix bus compression, parallel compression, and Michael Brauer’s approach to mixing into compression (also known as Brauerize).

In case you missed it, check out our last article from this series, ‘Creating the Perfect Mixing Template,’ where we take you through a step-by-step guide on how to build your mixing template. This includes how to tweak, refine, and personalise your templates.

Are you ready to take the sound of your mixes to the next level? Stay with us to learn the intricate details of ‘Finding Your Sound with Mix Bus Compression,’ where we show you how deep the rabbit hole goes…

Mix Bus Compression

Grouping and bus compression are essential mixing techniques, covered in 5 Essential Mixing Techniques of our Mixing Guide 101 series. These help make the mix sound more cohesive and tighten the instruments together. Some engineers call it glue – it’s natural to think the same notion should apply to the whole mix. That’s what we call Mix bus compression.

Mix bus compression involves applying compression to the entire mix rather than individual tracks. This approach allows engineers to control the dynamic range of the whole mix. Thus, achieving greater clarity, punch, and overall impact. 

The SSL G-Buss compressor is an excellent candidate for achieving this effect. However, other compressors such as the Fairchild 670, Chandler’s Germanium compressor, Neve 33609, or API 2500 can help your song sound great while providing character and sound to the mixes. 

Parallel Compression

Another common technique for adding excitement to your mix is parallel compression. This technique involves processing a track with heavy compression parallel to the original. Then, you can blend the levels of the parallel chain with the dry signal. This way you can retain the original track’s natural dynamics while adding depth, punch, and clarity to the mix. This is especially helpful for instruments like drums that must cut through the mix or add weight to the vocals.

The great thing about parallel compression is that it is not limited to individual elements but can be applied to the whole mix to add excitement to the recording. Andrew Scheps, among many other engineers, advocates using several parallel processing techniques to achieve signature mixes.

You might ask; ‘Is there a way to combine the different textures and characters from different compressor units and the presence added by the parallel processing?’ 

Behold!

Brauerize

Famous mixing engineer Michael Brauer is known for his innovative mixing techniques and ability to create dynamic, sonically rich mixes. Brauer has worked with artists such as Coldplay, John Mayer, and Bob Dylan among others, and is renowned for his signature mixing technique titled Brauerize.

Coined by a member of Coldplay, the Brauerize technique involves mixing into compression rather than through compression. It uses multiple buses in parallel to achieve a unique and impactful sound. He uses parallel compression chains, each with unique compression settings that merge in one final mix bus. This enables him to target different frequency ranges or aspects of the sound. For example, the lows, mids, and highs, with tailored compression. This combination is what makes this technique unique.

“The purpose of multiple buses is to avoid having one instrument or a group of instruments adversely affect the level or sound of another single or group of instruments.” -Michael Brauer 

Using this technique allows for the triggering of compression over elements from the same category while leaving others unprocessed. This provides more control of the overall sound of the mix without losing the glue between the elements.

From Michael’s perspective, this technique should be viewed as an engine. Once set, you forget about it, and then… It’s all about mixing. He mixes and treats every instrument as anyone would, but everything goes into his engine. This provides the sounds that characterise his mixes.

But what’s the difference between Brauer’s strategy and using a multiband compressor? 

Brauerize Vs Multiband

Brauer’s technique goes beyond separating sound by its frequency spectrum. He groups each element of the mix by categories or sound qualities within the song, separating instruments in the upper midrange or instruments that anchor the song. He would group those that create transients in the midrange, such as guitars, or those that need warmth from tube saturation. Each will go to one of the four dedicated buses with specific compressors, providing the desired effect.

Trying to do the same with a multiband compressor will result in a similar outcome using a stereo bus compressor. Frequency content from non-related instruments will trigger compression over the frequency bands. This subsequently causes other elements to be choked as a side effect. By using Brauer’s technique, the processing is in the song’s context. This allows more air and space within the mix and preserves the cohesion.

Endless Possibilities

Brauer’s technique provides flexibility and almost limitless possibilities. By simply routing instruments to the different busses of the engine, one can obtain a distinct sound and impact for their mixes without losing cohesion. You can even send everything to only one bus and revert to the single mix bus approach.

Find Your Sound

Remember that the most important thing about mixing is finding your voice. Experimenting with these techniques, mindsets, and setups will help you find the best workflow for you. Ultimately, it’s all about connecting with the audience through the music; what you use to achieve this matters only to you. 

Finding Your Sound with Mix Bus Compression concludes our Mixing Guide 101. If you’ve missed any of the series, you can head to the first article here How To Start Your Mix. To find more about mix bus compression and the sound of records, check out this article by Mastered Blog, ‘Mix Bus Compression: The Complete Beginner’s Guide.’

We hope you enjoyed it. Whether you want to learn more about the Brauerize technique or how to make your mixes glue together, our Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering covers these topics and more to help you take your mixes to the next level.