Parallel Compression for hip hop mastering

[dreambeats]

Hi!
Can someone sugest me, what settings is usable for parallel compressor while mastering a hip hop tracks-mixes is not very problematic-I just experimenting,but can't get good results whit this technique. Do You often use parallel compression for this style of music? Thanks.

[Will1970]

Yes I use it in mixing and mastering when needed.
When you can't get good results may'be it isn't what the doctor ordered.
Thing is with a parallel compression setup is to use an attack-time as fast as possible, release time between 250-350ms up to 500ms, ratio around 2.5:1, threshold -50db. With a low make-up level setting you can achieve a subtle compression or even more agressive on a higher setting.

Holla
Will

[Cellotron]

Originally Posted by dreambeats

Hi!
Can someone sugest me, what settings is usable for parallel compressor while mastering a hip hop tracks-mixes is not very problematic-I just experimenting,but can't get good results whit this technique. Do You often use parallel compression for this style of music? Thanks.

fwiw - I've mastered lots and lots of hip-hop tracks and not once have I used parallel compression on any of them.

Generally parallel compression works best to create "density" or thicken up really thin sounding mixes. As such across the 2-bus it is generally a last resort band aid and if the client can do a remix to fix problems such as this I think generally you will get much better sounding results.

If you actually like the sound of the mix - and every time you try parallel compression when mastering and don't like the sound of it - seems to me the absolute best thing is not to do any parallel compression on it!!! Good mastering is nearly always about using the simplest and least amount of additional processing you can in order to get the sonic results you desire.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[dreambeats]

Originally Posted by producerwillj

Yes I use it in mixing and mastering when needed.
When you can't get good results may'be it isn't what the doctor ordered.
Thing is with a parallel compression setup is to use an attack-time as fast as possible, release time between 250-350ms up to 500ms, ratio around 2.5:1, threshold -50db. With a low make-up level setting you can achieve a subtle compression or even more agressive on a higher setting.

Holla
Will

Thanks for sugestion-I had no idea about attack and release times.Tomorow will continue experiments...

[tstu102]

alright, i really don't know much about parallel compression so bear with me. I thought, in some cases, the point is to overly squash a sound and then blend that with the original. Like, for punchier drums, without losing dynamics. But then why a fast attack and slower release? If the attack and release times you suggested are for another purpose, please explain
Thanks

[dreambeats]

Originally Posted by Cellotron

fwiw - I've mastered lots and lots of hip-hop tracks and not once have I used parallel compression on any of them.

Generally parallel compression works best to create "density" or thicken up really thin sounding mixes. As such across the 2-bus it is generally a last resort band aid and if the client can do a remix to fix problems such as this I think generally you will get much better sounding results.

If you actually like the sound of the mix - and every time you try parallel compression when mastering and don't like the sound of it - seems to me the absolute best thing is not to do any parallel compression on it!!! Good mastering is nearly always about using the simplest and least amount of additional processing you can in order to get the sonic results you desire.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

Thanks. I think maybe my problem was-not too enough compression on parallel track-but, maybe, as You say-it's better not to process this way-I will try once again.

[Greg Reierson]

Originally Posted by Cellotron

fwiw - I've mastered lots and lots of hip-hop tracks and not once have I used parallel compression on any of them.

OTOH, I've used parallel comp to lift vocals and effects up from beneath ridiculously loud kick and bass lines. It can be a useful tool but it's not a go-to kind of thing.


GR

[bleak orange]

I am not a mastering guy, but I always have a parallel comp on my 2 bus when mixing (Weiss DS-1 mk II ) Always !

I find that I always like what it does on to the overall feel of the track...it glues things together in a pleasant way.

but as they say : YMMV