Parallel Drum Compression
Processing | Drums

Fab discusses the ever mysterious process of parallel processing, in this case using compression on drums.

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Parallel Drum Compression

Duration: 13:38

Fab discusses the ever mysterious process of parallel processing, in this case using compression on drums. This is a step by step guide on how to achieve that trick, complete with tips on how not to abuse the new technique.

Chapters:
-Basic setup using split busses
-Comparison of clean and with crush buss using Massey CT4 plugin
-Slow attack/fast attack examples
-Slow release/fast release examples
-Level management of processed signal vs unprocessed signal
-Compressor comparison: Chandler TG1 plugin
-Compressor comparison: UAD 1176 plugin
-How low can you go? All compressors together

The attached zip file contains the uncompressed audio files of the session.

Please download it and import these files in the DAW you use to make music (It does not necessarily have to be Pro Tools!) This way you can practice your skills and apply parallel compression to this drum loop using your own tastes, tools, plug-ins and the guidelines provided in this video.

Comments

jrod9900
| November 30, 2011 03:37 PM
Hey, Fab, I know there are no rules, but when should you use the full kit through parallel vs just say kick and snare. It seems like I've gotten told not to run everything through there together, yet it is perfectly acceptable for me to run kick and snare through one and a squashed room parallel with the rooms. ???

Thanks for all these great tutorials!

JROD
TaskUno
| October 11, 2011 04:41 PM
I am astonished by how much difference I can hear already, in only my first attempt to use your technique. I also appreciate how you break things down in a simpler form than most which is very easy to understand. Please keep them coming!
fab
| October 7, 2011 05:47 PM
@ DAVE / Yes it does. It gets twice as loud. In the video we compensate for that so we don't fool ourselves with levels. You should do the same in real life. (Whatever that is)

@Chimulko. THanks. Working on it

@Fransme. You should have no phase issue if you make sure that your plugins are properly compensated. (Sometimes you get lied to by your DAW)

@Mike C. PT LE pre PT9 is not delay compensated. It takes a lot of planning to do parallel comp on there. Save yourself some grief and upgrade :-)

ciao

Fab
Dave Zerio
| October 7, 2011 01:55 PM
This is a great video! It definitely answered some crucial questions I've had. I really got a lot from hearing the same method used with different plug-ins too.

To make a long story and a whole bunch of questions real short: 1 question: If you send your drums to 2 separate busses as in the video, doesn't that amplify your gain before you even add any processing?

Stay tuned to all the really convoluted associated questions in person.

Thanks Fab & G!
chimulko
| October 6, 2011 02:31 AM
Great great, more videos please please..
Fransme
| October 5, 2011 05:40 PM
Very interesting tutorial. I like the comparisons of the different styles of compression.
At times I stay away parallel processing because of various phase issues. Is there an easy way to avoid this problem altogether?
yongjin.h@gmail.com
| October 5, 2011 02:18 PM
Excellent, magnificent, fantastic!! It is really easy to understand but super practical. I've already learned what is

"parallel compression" on another website. This video, however, is totally different. It's not just an explanation of

the technique. Fab teaches how to listen to music and what part I need to focus on. And then, he shows the

differences with and without parallel compression. Now.... parallel compression is my technique!

This video is worth EVERY PENNY! Thanks Fab..
MikeC
| October 4, 2011 07:56 PM
Wow this technique really changes my drum sounds. I feel like I just jumped up a level with my mixes.

Also, when doing parallel processing, do you ever run into latency/phase issues with the two separate busses? I have a really slow LE system on my laptop, and I'm wondering if I'm going to experience that.
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