Compression is an art that takes practice to do well. Here are some starting points that I use:

Threshold: for drum hits (kick and snare) and bass, I usually set it somewhere between -10 db and -15 db. You should be able to find a good threshold in that range. If you go higher, the compressor will ...

I've already posted a few times, so here's my belated introduction:

I began learning how to dj in 2000. I spun drumnbass, and then nu skool breaks. In 2004, I decided to venture into production. In 2005, I discovered dubstep. I also started doing live p.a. sets that year. I began producing dubstep ...

In addition to what others have said, you can use a "maximizer" type effect/plug-in at the very end. These act as limiters to bring the levels up close to 0 dB. I use the Wave Hammer in Soundforge. Just make sure that you use it at the very end of production.

There is no simple answer to this question. First off, dubstep, as far as I know, has no typical drum pattern like four on the floor genres (kick drums on 1, 5, 9, 13). In fact, dubstep is about getting away from convention. Even if you put a snare at 9/16 of the bar, that doesn't means its going to ...

Until recently, I used Reason and bounced audio to Soundforge for mastering. Now I'm experimenting with using Reason rewired into Ableton Live. That way I can make use of Live's effects and VST instruments and effects. So far I like the new approach--more possibilities.

Any live p.a. artists out there interested in collaboration? I produce electronic dance music (breaks, glitch, dubstep, dnb) for live p.a. purposes. My gear currently consists of a PC laptop, Reason, Live, Soundforge, assorted VST instruments and effects, and radium 49 and x-session midi controllers ...

Great thread. Thanks for getting it started boomnoise. As someone pretty new to production (since 2004) and dubstep (since 2005), this has given me a lot to think about. I agree that keeping the genre open to different interpretations and experimentation is a worthy goal. Hopefully it will happen ...

First decision is Mac or PC. Many musicians use the Mac, but PCs can work just as well and most software is cross-platform. I personally use a Dell PC with Reason, Live, and Soundforge. This has worked well for production and live p.a. purposes. I would just make sure to get a 7200 rpm hard drive ...

Feedback (good, bad, indifferent) welcome. Thanks.

Dub for peace. A studio mix (done live p.a. style) of original dubstep material. The opening message is taken from The Vinyl Project, produced by the Freedom Archives.

Dub for peace