A question for those of you who don't like parallel compression.....

[ryst]

On a lot of parallel compression threads here, their is always a few guys who say they can get the same effect without it. But I never read any techniques or explanationsfrom these guys . I am interested in some techniques that you guys use to get the "parallel compression effect" without parallel compression.

I have never been able to get the same effect of parallel compression without actually doing parallel compression.

I am assuming its just regular compression techniques that you guys are referring to. Anyone want to enlighten me?

[ryst]

Anyone?

[nickynicknick]

I'm not too sure if you can call PC an effect. Maybe a technique. I find that using PC gets you to an aggressive place in a hurry. Maybe some guys track aggressively and don't feel the need for parallel compression.

Nick

[ryst]

Anyone else?

[Flying_Dutchman]

maybe they use a compressor with blend mode and just don´t get it...

i don´t know

i love parallel compression.
every software comp should have a blend mode

[ryst]

Well, I thought maybe someone could enlighten me because I was really curious. I have tried getting the type of "parallel comp" sound with just regular compression but it's not working for me.

I was hoping the few I have seen on here that say you can get to the same place without parallel comp would enlighten me a bit because I was really interested. But I guess I'm not going to get any insight.

[AllAboutTone]

How can you get parallel compression without actually doing parallel compression ? I hate ganged.

[smoke]

Well when it comes down to it, what you are in effect doing, is having control of the level of compression.... you can easier control the level of the sustain and/or the attack.

Perhaps you can use a transient designer to accomplish similar. I can increase the level of attack and sustain. In some cases the frequencies of those transients and tails.

Or maybe you use envelopes on your drum parts, if you're ITB.

I think when you use PC, you aren't really supposed to hear it, so I guess there are other ways to create a similar subtle effects, just by your particular workflow or tracking methods.

[Musiclab]

Generally I don't use parallel compression, I get what I need from the compressors I have patched in, parallel compression has a particular kind of sound I don't always need.
If I do need, I use it usually if I can't get the drums hitting hard enough or in a really dense mix to help the bass drum speak without making it much louder

[DannyMac]

PC on drum buss is a favorite of mine. It has to be done right to be of service to a good mix. TCL-2 - juicy

[Rick Sutton]

To me parallel compression adds back in some of the girth I missed when I transitioned from 2" analog to DAW.

[u b k]

Originally Posted by ryst

I have tried getting the type of "parallel comp" sound with just regular compression but it's not working for me.

some comps are better at this than others.

api 2500 good, mpressor good, fatso not good, 1176 not good.

it's all about comps that can do the right 'pop' on the front of the sound, then clamp down hard.


gregoire
del
ubk
.

[edcampos]

I can't get the sound of parallel compression without parallel compression. In fact, I don't think is possible to achieve that sound without actually using the technique. You may get close (API 2500 does indeed get you close) but IMO, not quite there.

Ed

[audioboy6]

I don't think it is possible either. The idea with Parallel compression is to get the tone from the compressor without destroying the dynamics of the original signal.

Maybe I'm missing something.

Jared