Compressors: necessary or not?

[hatembr]

Today I met a french duo ("Paral-Lel", Electro, DnB ...) in a workshop they held just before their Live set, and they've explained how they work & what they use. I was amazed when they told me they NEVER use any compressors in their tracks, they insisted on that. They said it's all about mixing & eq, and that compressing is useful only if one really knows how to do it, otherwise it becomes destructive for the track. At least that's the way they work, we all know there is no absolute rule.
And since I still don't know how to use a compressor correctly, I think I will follow their advice, I'll give up using comp and concentrate on improving my poor eq & mixing skills!

These guys have a 100% software based studio, plus a Minikorg they rarely use. Poor guys they have no Virus

Here they are : http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1bydh_parallel

[Tomer=Trance]

Well a compressor in its most basic form is an automatic gain raider-when an incoming signal breach the specified threshold point the compressor lowers the overall volume according to its program (settings),
Lets put a side for a moment the fact that some compressors add "mojo" and color to a track.

Basically, when you encounter an uneven (dynamic wise) sounding track you can simply automate your volume fader instead of using a compressor and i believe that is their way of doing it.

Personally,
I love compressors,and I couldn't mix without them.

IMO there is no right or wrong way of doing things,just your way...


EDIT: Hatem! didnt see it was you, havent seen you in this forum in ages :P