> Compression has side effects .... I do not think it should be used
> when recording acoustic music.

and I agree, do not use compression when recording.
and it's use for mastering is to overcome the playback mediums
limitation. Bob Katz recommends parallel compression for mastering,
raise the low levels and not squash the loud levels.

how do you feel about dithering? and sample rate conversion?

> The best amplifiers have plain level controls....

the best amplifiers have no controls, an in and out only.
the controls are on the pre amp

>> a) this means that the artist has no control of the final product
>
> Correct. If compression is used, the mastering engineer has that
> control, not the artist.

the artist should have final approval of the product, in other words,
they get to listen to and okay the final mastered version before it is
duplicated or replicated.

and the issue of playback system is why one uses a good mastering
engineer.

Dale
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