Dubstepforum.com

yo,

ive known about this technique for a while now but have only just started implementing it into my tracks.
im making a track at the minute and ive got the drums sounding nice and punchy but when i go to add the synths, they sound abit flat due to how big the drums are lol.
so i was just wondering how much parallel compression you guys use (if any), and what you use it on?

its one of those effects that can be nice to fatten up drums, but only if needed. i wouldn't use it as standard, it just depends on the tune really.

I have used it on bass's and drums before. I am kind of found of it on drums in the right context. I dont use it to often tbh.

i like it on drums. honestly just started doing this myself though. for bass i usually just compress as an insert. i suppose if you have a bunch of different basses and are trying to gel them together, parallel compression would be a good idea but...

I do start with parallel comp on my drums but only in small doses. This can change as the track and mix progresses because it may call for more or less to suit the song

I've posted something similar in another board regarding this atm (don't know if you're the same guy over at futureproducers?)

But I don't really use parallel compression that much since I've starting limiting instead. Essentially when you parallel compress you tend to go for silly high ratios anyway and really hammer it. just seems to make sense to go the whole hog and really destroy it!!

lowpass wrote:I've posted something similar in another board regarding this atm (don't know if you're the same guy over at futureproducers?)

But I don't really use parallel compression that much since I've starting limiting instead. Essentially when you parallel compress you tend to go for silly high ratios anyway and really hammer it. just seems to make sense to go the whole hog and really destroy it!!

nah im not the same guy but ill deffo go check out what you've posted! thanks man.
the temptation to wack it on everything is too much haha, its like the saying "everythings good in small doses" but when my drums sound proper fat and then my synths n bass dont really compare then im just like "fack it, parellel compression" which i know deep down is wrong haha

I've started to do it, and pretty well always use it.

I pretty much always use parallel compression on my kick and snare in electronic dance music. Dubstep, House, Electro and most of the time DnB as well. I have 2 parallels for each one for attack and one for release. I like to blend these in this way I can control the envelope in a few ways and phatten the drums.

(To compress FOR attack [compressing the release] slow attack fast release. To compress FOR release [compressing the attack] Fast attack fast release)

You should build phat synths as well to layer and parallel compress your drums over them. I also sometimes compress for attack on synths.
If you are using wobbles or basslines and stuff have a subbass sine wave layered under it.