Parallel Compression - New York Drums?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Euan_Fox
  • Start date Start date
Interesting. I don't use it all that often but my take on parallel' in general is that it offers a method to add (and subsequently add or subtract) in rather radical ways that would never fly on track itself.
Smash' (the front end transient –the whole thing fairly typical) or emphasize- In specific dynamic ways, maybe use boost or cuts to color/focus or clean up where you've added.
A good analogy might be how you'd contour reverb with eq.

My vocal tracks always seem to bright to me anyway, so boosting the highs is the last thing I'd want to do.
 
Cubase 5 quick parallel compression setup:

Create a group channel (Project>Add Track>Group Channel). Send outputs from each individual drum track to it via Inspector window on left (IMO, not overheads or any cymbals). Create an effects channel (Project>Add Track>FX Channel). Insert on this FX channel a compressor. From the created 'Drum' group channel, Send to 'Density MKII' FX channel. Send about 50%.

Mix in the effected signal to taste with the drum buss.

By the way, I have not found a stock Cubase compressor will work well for this. Waves API2500 is the goto choice for me. Try the free 'Density MKII'. Really good results can be had with it. Try 'NY Style' preset to start with. Squash the hell out of it. :)
That's the way to do it. :)

G
 
The Long Answer

Man. This is a big topic. If I wanted to do it justice, it would justice I'd have to write a couple thousand words about it. I'd probably want to call some of my favorite producers and engineers and have them weigh in too.

Oh wait, I did do that! Here's an article:


Parallel Compression Demystified


I think that's better than cluttering up the thread with a super long-winded post, right? Hope it's useful.
 
Nice one. I like the videos from PureMix. Fab is a great engineer.

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