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

Å¡„¢ 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 -à‹€ þ, 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 (à‹€ þ: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)

Å 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

Å Common Mistakes

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