Get free 1-minute sample at no cost
Michael Brauer’s "Brauerize" technique is a multi-bus compression workflow designed to enhance control, separation, and musicality in a mix. Developed in the mid-1980s, the concept emerged from Brauer’s frustration with how a single stereo bus compressor made different elements (like bass and vocals) fight each other dynamically. The solution was to separate elements across multiple stereo subgroups, each processed independently.
The Core of Brauerizing: A-B-C-D Bus Structure
Brauer's system routes all mix elements (except the lead vocal) into four separate stereo mix buses:
Bus A – High-Mid Detail
Instruments: Synths, acoustic instruments, upper midrange content
Processing: Neve 33609 compressor + Pultec EQ
Bus B – Low-End Foundation
Instruments: Drums, bass
Processing: Dual Distressors in mono, aggressive settings for punch
Bus C – Midrange Energy
Instruments: Electric guitars, acoustics, other mid-dominant instruments
Processing: Pendulum ES-8 (Vari-Mu type)
Bus D – Width and Ambience
Instruments: Pads, background vocals, reverbs, wide elements
Processing: TFPro Edward compressor with stereo widening
Each bus compressor is calibrated to react predictably, providing subtle glue within its group while preserving independence from the others.
Additional Components
1176 Parallel Bus ("Spank Bus")
Extra aggression and snap for selected elements
Fed in parallel and mixed subtly into the stereo bus
Lead Vocal Processing
Processed independently with its own serial and/or parallel compression
Avoids ducking from bus compression applied to instruments
Analog vs. In-the-Box (ITB)
Originally designed for SSL consoles with multiple stereo buses, Brauer later adapted it to hybrid setups and eventually ITB workflows. Key considerations:
Hardware chains were normalled into the patchbay with matched gain staging
Compressors typically run in dual mono to preserve stereo width
ITB implementations require careful delay compensation and routing setup
DAW users can emulate the method by routing tracks to submix buses with distinct compressor plugins, ensuring each is phase-aligned and sonically tailored.
Sonic and Psychological Goals
Brauerizing is about control through distribution:
Reduces inter-element dynamic conflicts
Enhances depth, width, and punch without choking dynamics
Lets compressors shape the envelope of each instrument group musically
Allows a performance-based mixing mindset: each bus responds like an instrument
Brauer described it as "fun again" because it gave him expressive control, almost like playing an instrument rather than fighting the mix.
Influence and Legacy
Michael Brauer’s technique has become widely adopted and adapted:
Educational programs now teach multi-bus strategies as part of advanced mixing
Engineers frequently design DAW templates inspired by Brauer's layout
Hybrid analog/digital mixers implement the system for genre-spanning work
While not a one-size-fits-all solution, Brauerizing has changed how mixers think about dynamic control and sonic impact. It remains a key technique for mixers who want enhanced separation, glue, and emotional movement in their mixes.
Final Note
Brauerizing is less a formula and more a framework for dynamic creativity. Its value lies in giving each group of instruments its own compressor personality—allowing the mix to feel cohesive, yet alive.
As Brauer himself said: "It’s not about compression. It’s about how the song moves."