When preparing your mixes for a mastering session, we typically get the question, "Should I take the L2 and compressor off the mix bus?"  My first thoughts run through my head like asking why or what are you doing. . . but I refrain myself.

SINCE THE 1990's AND THE ADVENT OF BROAD DISTRIBUTION OF DIGITAL AUDIO, POPULAR MUSIC HAS STEADILY BEEN CREEPING LOUDER AND LOUDER.  DIGITAL AUDIO MUST BE COMPRESSED

AFTER PEAK AMPLITUDE IS REACHED (AT 0DBFS) TO BECOME LOUDER.  HAVE YOU EVER RECEIVED AN EMAIL OR TEXT MESSAGE THAT LOOKS LIKE THIS?  It's just a bit obnoxious, isn't it?

The last creative step in the recording process and the first technical step in the replication process.