I never use a compressor on the input for a BB/RB track or when I record live tracks. I WANT all those dynamics to be present in the track. I can work with those varying levels to make a good sounding track.... but I can not un-compress something later if I don't like it or make it fit properly.

I use compression on the back side only. With digital, there are plenty of ways to get good strong clean signals into the tracks up front.

I have noticed that RB & BB create strong, clean tracks, so there is no need to compress them at all. Any FX included from inside BB/RB is beyond my control but I have never heard the need to do anything to them on the front side as I import them to SONAR.

In Sonar, I use EQ, and reverb on some tracks. The EQ is mostly gentle depending on the instrument and I have some custom presets for piano, drums and bass.

I use Ozone and some other stuff to massage the tracks & busses as needed. I almost never use compression in a stand alone event in a track. Look at my songs. Open them in a wave editor and you don't see evidence of compression.... typical things like clipped tops and overs.... nope, not there. I'm not against compression, it's just that I use it sparingly and in the right way and place.

I can get my music plenty loud without using over-compression. I believe most people misuse compressors and limiters and think they are only for making the music louder.

Rather than using compression on the front side, I'd rather use technique to record a smooth track to start. With BB & RB renders, I have not seen problems in volume levels that could not be solved with a simple volume envelope. Remember, compression is cumulative, and when you compress going in, compress in a track and then compress and limit the output, you have one squashed sounding track in the end when it's played on a decent sounding system.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.