Pro technique: parallel compression

Run compressed and clean signals side by side

“Parallel compression is great for making everything fuller and warmer without removing any punch”

Parallel processing is an excellent way to introduce subtle changes in a mix, and nothing suits it better than parallel compression.

Parallel compression operates from the ‘bottom up’, so it doesn’t crush in the way that ‘top down’ compression does. It’s great for filling out a part, enhancing quieter details and making everything sound fuller and warmer without removing any of the punch. And luckily, with modern computer-based recording, it’s a piece of cake.

Parallel compression can work especially well on drums (to bring up room ambience and subtle details without crushing), or across a complete mix.

You basically run a heavily compressed version side-by-side with a clean version of the same signal – they are running ‘in parallel’, hence the name. When setting it up, mute and unmute the parallel compressed channel to hear the results clearly. The advantage of this technique is that you can control exactly how much of the heavily compressed character sound you want in the mix, while keeping all of the impact of the original.

See the step-by-step walkthrough below on how to set it up for yourself.