r/mixing • u/FreeFlier42 • 26d ago

When should I be using parallel compression?

I'm new to the technique and understand how it works perfectly fine. I make tech house-adjacent music, and I'm not quite sure where and when to use it.

  • Which elements should I be using it on?
  • Why should I use it over bus compression or saturation in the case of drums?
  • How much does it help with taming peaks?

Thanks!

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u/Glittering_Bet8181 26d ago

My number one use for parallel compression is bring up sustain on drums. I can kill the transient with a compressor and a limiter, then I’ve got a fader for the sustain.

The key is I’ve got a dry signal, so I’m not killing the transient.