[sparqee]

Originally Posted by earsnfingers

Done correctly, it will increase the drums, without really turning the volume up. You'll get a fuller sound, with less fear of clipping. But, if you do it incorrectly, the cymbal crashes and the power toms will be squashed, resulting in a flat and whimpy track.

There's some good advise there but I just cringe whenever I see the words "correctly" or "incorrectly" used in this context. Unless you're damaging your gear I just don't buy into the use of these words when it comes to mixing. Maybe it sounds cool (in someone's opinion) to squish the hell out of their drums. Artistry often times begins just past the boundary of "standard practice".

Tweak beyond the limits of good taste say I!!! If it sounds like crap, turn the knob back the other way.