Considering how well Scope mastering processor choices have been provided for, dNa have done well coming up with two unique but effective offerings.  The first is a mastering compressor with a large selection of radio button style tone control selections, two large knobs for threshold and make-up, two large animated VU meters and a handy little button called 'analog'.  I have quoted dNa designer Ray from a planetz topic as he elaborates on some of the finer points of using MasterCOMP:

 

Ray:  Regarding the dNa-MasterCOMP and the filters, the filters are NOT working on the actual signal/mix itself.  The side-chain tone (SC-Tone) filters are used for shaping the side-chain, and thus controlling how the compressor reacts to the mix-signal.  For example: if you have a mix with a lot of low frequency energy (for example dance/electronic music) you can use the side-chain for shaping so the compressor doesn't go pumping 'on the beat' every time a bass drum hitting the compressor reacts too much by compressing the mix.  Also a good mix has a frequency distribution sort of like a pink noise curve.  So a compressor works differently on higher frequency bands.  The medium and SMACK filters shape the side chain by attenuating lower frequencies and lifting higher frequencies and thus making response more linear on the frequency bands.  Experiment with the settings by ear.  A good default starting point I think is the vintage or medium setting.

 
 

Regarding the link-filters, check for some information on our website.  A typical limiter is usually used just on peaks so the following is a good starting point in settings:

SC Style: Modern FF; peak
SC Tone: Vintage or medium
Link filter: High pass, with 0-50 blend for limiting peaks on the L/R channel separately
Others:  Short attack, fast release, high ratio
Presets: There are presets for limiting and of course you can use limiting for different purposes because you can use it for more than just controlling peaks and transients.   Actually you may also just enable the 'Analog' feature which can also 'limit' fast peaks.

And don't worry - it can take years to really know what your doing and can achieve with compression and use it to make the most out of it.  This is the case also because there are different types. The dNa-MasterCOMP may look simple but that can be deceiving. 

 

It actually is a complex compressor combining a lot of different analog techniques in one processor.  Sound-wise and learning-wise you may also be stubborn.  Use your ears and if it sounds good then tape it.  If it sounds fatiguing you are probably overdoing it so use less threshold.  Try reading some articles on compression because it can be one of your most powerful tools for creating a fat and punchy sound or giving mixes some 'glue'.

Dante:  I believe you are also working on more devices for future release?

Ray: Yes.  This fall our mastering tools will be expanded by two neat DSP efficient tools for people using Scope only as an interface for DAW packages such as Cubase.  We are also working on a very nice multi-fx processor, additional dNa style mixing compressor processors and a little update for MasterCOMP and StereoEqualiser owners and buyers.

 
     

Dante and Ray July 2013

dNa-MasterCOMP Product and Feature Page

dNa Questions and Answers