Should I be removing all limiting/compression from the master track before sending it off to mastering?

Answer 1

No. The more important question to ask is, "Does the compression, or limiting I have in place on my master bus prevent the final mix from technically performing properly for the given playback format?". You should have an open and honest relationship with your mastering engineer. Let your mastering engineer help you make decisions about whether or not your processing is impeding the creation of a quality master file, or is your processing adding to the artistic make up of the file. Over compression, as with any processing can not be undone in mastering. Any processing choices you make need to artistically enhance the production without getting in the way of creating a master file that performs properly for the given format.

Answer 2

I always create a quickly mastered version for my clients, sometimes they are comparing my mix to other "mastered" mixes so if i didn't my mix could be lower in volume, but I always print a mix without any "mastering plug in that I put on my master buss. That being said I usually still leave my master buss compressor engaged since it serves a a little glue to control transients and tighten up the bottom end, but I always check that it's not pumping too hard so I'm leaving plenty of headroom for the mastering engineer.

Answer 3

Hey there!

This is a common question when sending your music to be mastered, and there are really two schools of thought on the topic.

1) You should send a "dry" mix to your mastering engineer so that they can apply compression & limiting

2) You should send your mix as you've been listening to it, keeping any effects on your master bus

I subscribe to #2 and prefer to receive mixes from my clients with their processing on. The main caveat here is that you should only apply light amounts of compression/limiting on your master bus. If you push too hard, there will be no room for the mastering engineer to increase the perceived volume of your music. I would generally shoot for 2-3dB of gain reduction on your master bus compressor/limiter, this can glue your mix together without severely affecting the dynamic range.

Some mastering engineers may have specific preferences/requirements for delivery, so I'd suggest asking your engineer how they would like the files delivered. If you're unsure, you can always send both versions!

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

The most import thing here is leaving enough headroom for the mastering engineer to do his work. Do not be concerned about getting your track loud as that is part of the mastering process. So yes remove the limiter.

The compressor could be removed also, but the question is this. Is the main buss compressor being used to get a particular sound? Are your drums getting more punch? If so leave it on, again making sure there is enough headroom for the mastering engineer to do his work.

I want to leave you with this, what is enough headroom? Your songs output should read about -6 db on the master buss or less. You are going for "finished track" loudness. Just the best mix possible for the mastering engineer.