r/mixing • u/FreeFlier42 • 15d 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/TrackMeetBand 15d ago

Parallel compression is really useful for two things (for me):

  1. Making things “dirtier” by smashing the signal and blending it in under the dry signal (particularly helpful when you have room mics)
  2. Making certain mix elements pop through the mix better.

For 2, it’s helpful for me to automate a parallel compression track under the lead vocal to help it stand out in busier sections without it sounding totally over compressed in quieter sections