Parallel Compression
Definition
A mixing technique where a heavily compressed copy of a signal is blended with the uncompressed original. Also called “New York compression” (popularized by New York recording studios in the 1970s-80s). The technique adds density, sustain, and perceived loudness while preserving the natural transients and dynamics of the original signal.
Context
Parallel compression is one of the most widely recommended techniques in mixing-talk (discussed within 2,443 compression-related messages). The community favors it on drums (using an UREI 1176 in all-buttons mode on a parallel send), vocals (for adding body without squashing dynamics), and the mix bus (for subtle overall density).
The community strongly prefers using dedicated aux sends for parallel compression rather than plugin wet/dry knobs, as sends provide independent control over the compressed signal’s level, EQ, and further processing.
Common settings for the parallel bus: high ratio (10:1 to all-buttons), fast attack, fast release — deliberately “crushing” the signal so it adds sustain and density when blended at low levels beneath the dry original.