Audiotuts+ Updates - Quick Tip: Super Quick Parallel Compression

Quick Tip: Super Quick Parallel Compression

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 01:00 AM PDT

There’s no denying that parallel compression is a great way to pump up just about any group of instruments. The technique involves creating a parallel stream of audio, compressing the hell out of it and mixing it with your original signal. It tends to work especially well with drums and percussion.

Although this is a great technique, a traditional parallel processing set up can often be time consuming to set up. I’m going to show you a way we can use certain plug-ins to create a parallel compression effect, in a fraction of the time.

Choosing Your Plug-in

First up we need to choose the right compressor plug-in for the job. Usually, when we are constructing a standard parallel compression buss just about any compressor can be used. The key here is to use a compressor with a ‘mix’ function that allows us to mix the dry and effected signals.

Although not every software compressor has this feature (although maybe they should!), I’ve picked out two that I use. Logic’s stock compressor has a hidden mix function that can be accessed via a small drop down menu, in the lower half the plug-in’s interface.

A third party software compressor that features a mix function is Fab Filter’s excellent ‘Pro-C’. Of course this plug ain’t free but it certainly wont break the bank ( €149 / $199 / £129 ) and you get an extremely flexible processor for your money. Check it out here.

Fabfilter’s Pro-C is an excellent tool for stand-alone parallel compression.

Of course there will be plenty of other compressors out there with a wet/dry mix feature. If you have a favourite or know of a free product, let us know by leaving a comment.

Using the Right Settings

Before we get into how we create our instant parallel buss we need to look at some typical compression settings we’d use in this situation. More often than not pretty extreme compression settings are used in conjunction with parallel processing.

You can afford to use much more intense settings than you are used to here. As we are going to mix the final result with a dry untreated version of our audio, you can really push it and use high ratio and threshold values. I wouldn’t often recommend this approach but … don’t be scared, go ahead and smash it!

The extreme settings in Logic’s compressor.

Mixing the Effect

With the dynamics crushed out of your audio and our intense settings in place, it’s time to use our mix function, introduce some dry signal and ultimately create our parallel compression effect.

To apply our compression it really is as simple as starting at zero (or 100% dry) and slowly introducing our heavily compressed signal. I tend to find that around 20 – 30% of the compressed signal tends to work well but of course this is just a guideline.

So if you have a compressor with a mix function get stuck in and quickly serve up some parallel compression effects in seconds!

Our parallel compression effect is created.

Winner Announced: Win the First DVD in Jim Pavett’s “The Studio Edge” Series

Posted: 31 Oct 2010 11:00 PM PDT

In Björgvin Benediktsson’s interview with audio engineer Jim Pavett, Jim mentioned he was working on a set of educational DVDs. The series is now available, and we’re giving you the opportunity to win Volume 1. To enter, just leave a comment! One random commenter will be chosen as winner. Too easy.

Winner Announced

Our winner for this competition (picked at random) is JJ, who left the comment, “I was going to write a couple of tutorials, but now I'm glad I didn't since that would disqualify me.” Well, now you’ve won the prize, feel free to send us some quick tips. Congratulations – we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

If you didn’t win and would still like the DVD, check it out at Pure Wave Audio.

The Studio Edge Vol 1 Tutorial DVD

Here are some details about Jim’s tutorial series:

The purpose of this series it to help you get a solid grounding in audio engineering and sound recording. In this first installment of The Studio Edge: Pro Audio Recording Series you will learn the fundamentals of sound engineering that are crucial to your success in the studio. Understanding the physics of sound and how to properly use things like compression will make all the difference in your recordings.

The tutorial’s author, Jim Pavett, will give you a detailed overview on every aspect of the recording process, with hands on projects covering how to set up your monitors, how to handle phase issues, and how to properly place microphones. Although there is some theory involved everything is well explained, complete with hundreds of helpful visuals. Jim will take you through a complete journey of the fundamentals of audio recording.

Throughout the tutorial, Jim also gives opportunities for you to get out of your seat and get involved. Whether it’s figuring out which frequency your hearing tops out at, or moving around the room to figure out the best place to put your monitors, there are tons of practical lessons to try out on your own. If you’re starting to put together a studio and are feeling overwhelmed with everything around you, let us help you out by teaching you the fundamentals of audio so you’ll never feel like an alien in your own studio again.

The topics covered in Volume 1 include \the physics of sound, gear and studio concepts. Here is a preview:

Learn more from Jim’s website.

For the chance to win, all you need to do is comment. If you like, tell us why you need this DVD. Make sure to include your correct email address with your comment so that we can contact you. This giveaway is open worldwide, but make sure to get your comment in before midnight this Saturday, Pacific Eastern Standard Time.

Please note: Envato staff and people who have written more than two tutorials/articles for a Tuts+ site are not eligible to enter.