tags: compression dynamic-range production music
Parallel Compression
Parallel compression is a [compression] technique that involves blending an original [dry signal] with a compressed duplicate of the original signal (wet)
- offers a "best of both worlds" between the [dynamic range] of an uncompressed track and the control of a compressed track by applying compression "in parallel"
- raises the [noise floor] in usually desirable ways, raising perceived [loudness.md] without raising the [signal]'s [amplitude.md] too much
Steps
- Begin with a dry, uncompressed track
- Duplicate that track
- Generally, apply heavy compression that stuffs out the [transients] (should not sound natural on its own)
- high compression [ratio], 4:1 to 10:1
- Blend the dry and wet (compressed) tracks together