problem
Extra output level can hide whether the compressor actually improved control.
A compressor often lowers peaks, then makeup gain raises the whole vocal back up or beyond the original level.
That louder output can make the vocal seem clearer and more present even if compression settings are too heavy.
Toggle the compressor while matching perceived loudness, then check whether phrases are more even without losing emotion or consonants.
Watch gain reduction, peak level, and short-term loudness so makeup gain does not become the reason the setting wins.
Choose attack, release, ratio, and threshold at matched level first, then use output gain to place the vocal in the mix.
Meter Core helps separate compression control from level bias while you set vocal dynamics.