PSP MasterComp Review: Features, Presets, and Sound Examples

PSP MasterComp Preset Walkthrough: Fast Settings for Every Genre

PSP MasterComp is a versatile mastering compressor designed to add clarity, punch, and glue to mixes without coloring them excessively. Below are quick, practical preset-style starting points for common genres. Each section lists the goal, suggested global settings, and brief notes for dialing it in. Assume stereo buss processing, 44.1–48 kHz, and 24-bit material.

General setup notes

• Input/Output: Set Input so peak levels sit around -6 to -3 dB before compression; use Output to match perceived loudness.
• Threshold/Ratio: Start gentle — mastering compression typically uses low gain reduction (0.5–3 dB). Increase only for character.
• Attack/Release: Faster attack tames transients; slower attack preserves punch. Faster release gives more obvious pumping; slower release is smoother.
• Glue/Makeup: Use Makeup to restore level; engage Glue mode if you want more cohesion.
• Metering: Watch gain reduction and make A/B comparisons with bypass to ensure improvement.

1) Pop / Top-40 — Transparent glue and loudness

• Goal: Smooth vocals and drums, maintain brightness and loudness.
• Suggested settings: Ratio 1.8:1 — 2.5:1 | Threshold: adjust for 1–2.5 dB GR | Attack 8–15 ms | Release 0.2–0.6 s | Makeup: +1–3 dB | Glue: On
• Notes: Slightly slower attack preserves vocal transients; moderate release keeps energy. If bass gets pumped, use high-pass sidechain (~30–60 Hz).

2) Rock / Alternative — Punchy drums, controlled mids

• Goal: Tighten low end and emphasize attack of drums/guitars.
• Suggested settings: Ratio 2.5:1 — 4:1 | Threshold: adjust for 1.5–3 dB GR | Attack 4–8 ms | Release 0.12–0.3 s | Makeup: +1–2 dB | Glue: Off or light
• Notes: Faster attack for control; moderate ratio. If guitars sound squashed, slightly lengthen attack.

3) EDM / Dance — Big, consistent RMS level

• Goal: Consistent loudness, energetic transient control for club playback.
• Suggested settings: Ratio 2:1 — 3:1 | Threshold: adjust for 2–4 dB GR | Attack 2–6 ms | Release 0.08–0.2 s | Makeup: +2–4 dB | Glue: Off
• Notes: Fast attack helps glue synths; fast release preserves groove. Watch low-end pumping; use sidechain HF/LP filters if available.

4) Hip-Hop / R&B — Fat low end and vocal presence

• Goal: Preserve bass weight while keeping vocals forward and steady.
• Suggested settings: Ratio 1.8:1 — 2.8:1 | Threshold: 1–3 dB GR | Attack 6–12 ms | Release 0.18–0.5 s | Makeup: +1–3 dB | Glue: On
• Notes: Slightly slower attack keeps bass transients intact. Use high-pass sidechain to avoid over-compressing sub-bass.

5) Acoustic / Singer-Songwriter — Natural dynamics and clarity

• Goal: Keep performance dynamics alive, control peaks, and add polish.
• Suggested settings: Ratio 1.5:1 — 2:1 | Threshold: 0.5–1.5 dB GR | Attack 10–25 ms | Release 0.3–0.8 s | Makeup: +0.5–1.5 dB | Glue: Off
• Notes: Gentle settings maintain expressiveness. Use slower attack to let transients through; avoid over-compressing.

Quick troubleshooting

• Too squashed: Reduce ratio and/or raise threshold; lengthen attack.
• Not enough glue: Engage Glue mode and increase makeup gain slightly.
• Pumping: Slow the release or add sidechain filtering to low frequencies.
• Harshness: Reduce input level, shorten attack slightly, or check upstream EQ.

Final checklist before export

1. Bypass-check: Compare with bypass for musical improvement.
2. LUFS target: Adjust output to your intended LUFS (-14 LUFS for streaming, -9 to -7 LUFS for loud commercial/mastered tracks as a reference).
3. Headroom: Leave ~ -0.1 to -0.3 dBTP limiting later; keep peaks managed.
4. Reference: A/B with a commercial reference to confirm tonal balance and loudness.

Use these settings as fast starting points — tweak by ear per track.