What Is Parallel Compression and How Do You Use It?
What is parallel compression?
Parallel compression, which is also known as New York Compression, allows you shape the dynamics of your sound. Using too much compression, however, will destroy the punchiness and warmth, so finding the sweet spot is a necessity, this is where parallel compression comes into play. Using this technique you are able to mix the dry signal along with the wet signal that contains the compressor.
How to create parallel compression:
• Open your DAW of choice (Logic Pro, FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, etc...)
• Create a aux track, now add a compressor to this channel
• Now make sure your main track is selected and route your compressor send to the track
• You should now have the same sound playing out of two separate tracks
• You can play around with the compressor settings now
• To shape the dynamic range use a faster attack, faster release, harder knee, and a higher ratio
• To shape the sound use a slower attack, slower release, softer knee, and a lower ratio
• To glue everything together use a medium attack, medium release, medium knee, and a lower ratio
Where To Start:
- Ratio: 3:1 or 4:1
- Threshold: Usually you'll want to stay as low as possible. Use your meter to make sure you're sitting around 3-5 db of gain reduction.
- Attack Time: Fast for thicker/warmer sounds (2ms or less), slow for punchiness (10ms or more).
- Release Time: Slow (above 100ms). You can also set the release time to match the bpm of the arrangement.
- Gain: You want it to be the same volume as it was with the compressor turned off.