Compression is probably one of the most important steps when mastering. However few people seem to use a compressor correctly when mastering. The goal is to get rid of some dynamic outbursts that might happen at intense parts of your track. Using compression in the master should not aim to change the overall dynamics of your track. If you see the need of changing the dynamics it is usually best to go back to the mixing stage.

Key takeaways:

• Get rid of unnecessary loudness outbursts
• Shape the dynamics as little as possible
• Any pumping, ducking etc. should be done in the mix