What is the purpose of parallel compression?
Parallel compression uses a send and return setup similar to how you would send signal to an effects processor. It is the combination of the dry signal mixed with a compressed version. In a parallel setup, you can use heavier compression to pull more depth out of the source signal.
What is Series compression?
Serial compression means using multiple compressors in series (ie, one after the other), and it’s a great way to combine the most desirable attributes and/or capabilities of two or more plugins.
When should you parallel compress?
One of the biggest benefits of parallel compression is being able use to intense compression settings without completely destroying the dynamics of your source. That’s why parallel compression is often used on drums and percussion. Heavy compression has a particularly satisfying effect on drums.
How do you use two compressors?
Combine two compressors and you’ll have plenty of possibilities for experimentation; play with the order of the compressors, with the threshold of each, with the compression ratios, with attack and release times, and with the balance between the two units; if there’s gain make-up on either (or both) compressor, you can …
What is the difference between compression and parallel compression?
Serial compression is when the compressor is inserted in the signal chain and you use 100\% of the processed/compressed signal. Parallel compression is when you set up a separate bus for the compression and you blend in the compressed signal with the original uncompressed signal.
Does parallel compression cause phasing?
Using parallel compression can add punch to drums, but can also cause phase problems if you aren’t careful.
What is serial processing in music?
Serial processing is just a fancy name for using more than one of the same type of plug-in to process an instrument. It could be as simple as using two of the same plug-in back to back on a channel in your mix, or more subtle like applying processing in stages over a series of busses.
Should I use compression on every track?
It can be easy to get in the habit of throwing a compressor on every track because we assume we should. But not every sound needs to be compressed. If you want to highlight the aggressive parts of a sound’s transients or to tame its dynamics, compression makes sense.
What is dual compression?
A dual-compressor system, as its name suggests, houses two compressors. The cooling process requires two vapor compression cycles that work in a cascade system. One is a low temperature cycle and the other is a higher temperature cycle.
Do I need two compressors?
You want an answer to the question “are two compressors in series usable for mastering”. The short answer is: “it depends on the production”, some might even say “if it works for you, go for it”. The long answer is: If we only talk loudness raising, then you might get better away with a compressor -> limiter array.
What is Manhattan style compression?
It uses a Manhattan-style of compression, which is to say a form of parallel compression that tightens up your sound without squashing all of its dynamics. Indeed, you shouldn’t necessarily need to set the compression high for the Compressor Mini to add some seasoning to your sound.
Should you use different compressors on the same track?
You might be using compression for different things on the same track. That’s the beauty of these different compression styles. They work especially well together because they’re different. For instance, you can decide that you need to use a fast, FET compressor to tame the peaks of the signal.
What is Serial compression and how does it work?
Serial compression is when you put multiple compressors on the same sound. A single compressor that’s working super hard will stick out like a sore thumb in your mix. But multiple compressors working together can give you greater gain reduction while sounding much more natural.
How do you know how much compression to use when mixing?
Using a reference track while mixing will help you figure out how much compression you should use. Pick a song you’d like your mix to sound like and compare your mix to it while you work. Listen for how much compression is being applied in your reference track and try to emulate it for your own song.
Are compression controls universal across all compressors?
These controls are generally quite universal across all types of compressors, but I’ll be referring specifically to compressors that apply downwards compression (gain reduction) from here on out. Before you compress a signal you should ask yourself the following questions: