Nothing takes the place of practicing, experience, and active listening.
The compressor is not only for dynamics but is also a wave-shaping tool. When I realized this, it really opened up the possibilities of compression for me. Maybe it will for you as well.
Using automation to take the place of a compressor is a wonderful thing. I do this all the time, and like to refer to it as "intelligent compression".
thanks ken...
I had realized that to some extent. For example i am good at using the compressor to give the bass, or drums more punch. But when i try to use the compressor with something else I end up screwing it.
I called it "controlled compression". And I think it is not the same than just mixing, because this kind of automation is to make the track more cohesive and to take out exaggerated peaks, then i use another stage of automation to make the track sit in the mix.