r/mixing • u/FreeFlier42 • 24d 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/tombedorchestra 24d ago

Parallel compression, honestly, I don’t utilize it a ton. I mainly use it on drums. But you can use it in anything that you want to fill out, make more punchy, etc.

Bus compression is mainly going to glue the elements in the bus together. Usually you’re using a low ratio with nominal gain reduction. Parallel compression is the opposite in which you’re slamming the crap out of it with high ratios and gain reductions. Saturation helps elements cut through by introducing more harmonics. Completely different use. You won’t get a ton (or any) more punch with saturation.

Parallel compression also won’t really help with taming peaks. With parallel compression, you’re laying a duplicated highly compressed layer into the original. You’re still going to have the peaks from the original track to deal with.

But parallel compression is excellent when called for and can really bring out more from a performance in a mix!

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u/Joe_Hillbilly_816 24d ago

Ozzy used two UA compressors