Compressors are one of the most important elements in a mix, why?

Well, your mixes will always be played back on a broad variety of speakers and systems that are not always the best of quality.
Have you noticed how some professional recordings always sound good, even when played on the worst of speakers?
The is often due to the fact that the music producer and engineer knew how to control the dynamics correctly.
This is done with compressors and limiters.

Compression is often the key to a radio friendly final mix.
Our guides to using compressors will help you understand not only how to hear dynamics, but also control them musically using compressors.