Parallel Compression: The NY Technique

🎯 The Concept

Traditional Compression Problem

• Light compression (3:1): Preserves dynamics but lacks power
• Heavy compression (10:1): Powerful but kills transients (lifeless)

Parallel Compression Solution

1. Send signal to aux track
2. Crush aux with extreme compression (10:1, -20dB gain reduction)
3. Blend compressed signal (20-40%) with dry signal
4. Result: Punch of dry + power of compressed

⚙️ How to Set Up

Method 1: Send/Return (Recommended)

1. Create aux track (name "Parallel Comp")
2. Send source track (drums/vocals) to aux
3. Insert compressor on aux track
4. Crush hard (10:1, fast attack, auto release)
5. Blend aux fader (start at -∞, raise to taste)

Method 2: Duplicate Track

1. Duplicate track (original + copy)
2. Leave original untouched
3. Compress copy heavily
4. Blend faders (70% dry, 30% compressed)

Tip: Send/return better (saves CPU, easier to adjust).

🎚️ Compressor Settings

Parallel Drums (NY Compression Origin)

Parallel Vocals

• Ratio: 8:1 to 12:1
• Attack: Medium (5-10ms)
• Blend: 15-30% (subtler than drums)

Parallel Bass

• Ratio: 10:1 or limiter (∞:1)
• Attack: Fast (1ms)
• Blend: 25-35%
• Bonus: Add distortion on parallel aux for grit

🥁 Parallel Drums (Classic NY)

Setup

1. Send drum bus to aux track "Drum Crush"
2. Insert SSL Bus Compressor or 1176 emulation
3. Settings: 10:1, fastest attack, auto release, -20dB GR
4. Optional: EQ aux → boost 5kHz (+3dB) for snap
5. Blend 30-40%

Result

• Kick punch preserved
• Snare body thickened
• Room mics glued together
• Overall power + dynamics

🎤 Parallel Vocals

Setup

1. Send lead vocal to aux "Vocal Crush"
2. Insert FabFilter Pro-C 2 or CLA-76
3. Settings: 8:1, medium attack (5ms), auto release, -15dB GR
4. Optional: High-pass aux at 200Hz (avoid mud)
5. Blend 15-25% (less than drums!)

Advanced Trick

• Add saturation to parallel aux (Decapitator)
• Result: Aggressive modern vocal (The Weeknd, Travis Scott)

🔊 Parallel Bass

Setup

1. Send bass to aux "Bass Crush"
2. Insert limiter (FabFilter Pro-L, Waves L1)
3. Ceiling: -10dBFS
4. Push input until constant limiting
5. Optional: Add distortion before limiter
6. Blend 25-35%

Result

• Consistent low-end (no volume drops)
• Sub power on small speakers
• Aggressive tone without losing dynamics

💡 Advanced Techniques

1. Parallel EQ

• Boost parallel aux at problem frequencies
• Example: +6dB at 5kHz on drum crush = more snap

2. Parallel Saturation

• Skip compressor, add heavy saturation (Decapitator drive 80%)
• Blend 10-20%
• Result: Warmth + harmonics

3. Multiband Parallel Compression

• Compress only mids/highs on parallel aux
• Preserves bass dynamics
• Great for full mixes

4. Upward Compression

• Compress quiet parts ONLY (opposite of normal)
• Use OTT (free Ableton plugin) at 10-20%
• Modern electronic sound (Skrillex, Porter Robinson)

🎛️ Best Plugins for Parallel Compression

Drums

• Waves SSL G-Master: Classic NY glue
• UAD 1176: Fast aggressive punch
• Cytomic The Glue: Budget SSL alternative

Vocals

• FabFilter Pro-C 2: Clean transparent
• Waves CLA-76: Color + aggression
• UAD LA-2A: Smooth vintage

Bass

• FabFilter Pro-L 2: Limiter for extreme control
• Waves Renaissance Compressor: Vintage warmth

❌ Common Mistakes

• ❌ Too much blend: Over 50% = loses dynamics (sweet spot 20-40%)
• ❌ Light compression: Parallel = CRUSH (10:1, -20dB GR)
• ❌ Slow attack: Use fast attack (catch transients)
• ❌ On everything: Use selectively (drums, vocals, bass, NOT every track)