Some Internet discussions seem to extend into eternity and sometimes it gets to the point where you may ask yourself if the other part can read and understand properly. At times like that, the gap between the disscussing parts often lies in the values and principles the parts choose to honor when taking their position in the discussion. If theese values and principles is not shared by the other discussing parts, the discussion will never end in an agreement. The only thing that remains to say is: OK, you see it that way, and I see it this way, and that's fine. As I understand you, B5 this is what you want to do. But you also add new gasoline to the fire by comparing the perfectly normal compressor we discuss here (with a basic functionality shared by every other compressor in the universe) with the very, very special and uniqe mastering tool Har-Bal. This comparison is not intellectually honest in any way.
Mike Cressey: If VW does all you want, then MC is redundant. But the MC functionality and sound is not included in VW. It's true that one can be used without the other but in fact they complete each other just fine and make a killer duo on your master out. Since you have MC already, dont miss to try it out.
If this discussion had been about VW it had been much easier for me to understand since VW is a very special plugin. I think that the best way to learn how to use a compressor (which is generic knowledge) is to get a hardware unit with knobs and spend time working with it and listening carefully. The use of compressors is probably one of the hardest things to understand and master in audio production since it can be used in so many ways and for so many purposes. It's a bit like dancing, everyone has a way of their own that makes them happy. From this point of view, you guys are a bit unfair to Mateusz - there is no way he or anyone else can be specific on how you should use a compressor on your audio material in order to be pleased with the result and it takes a lot of time to put together a publication that covers even only the most common usages of a compressor. Time that plugin buyers would have to pay for. Seems like a much better deal to leave PSP with plugin programming peace and get the generic knowledge elsewhere.
And yes, peace to all involved. I have for sure not written anything with the purpose to upset anyone nor to write myself into any kind of mastering guru context, I have no such claims.
Over and out,
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//BB54