Parallel Compression

In this ProTool’s session, there is the mixed and bounced down stereo track, there are two stereo aux tracks and a stereo master fader. The song has an output of Bus 1 and 2 and the two aux tracks have an input of Bus 1 and 2. Their output is output 1 and 2. These aux tracks are running in parallel. Both aux tracks have an compression insert, one aux has light compression whilst the other has heavy compression. Both aux track’s faders are reduced by around -6dB at the beginning as this reduces clipping when both are summed to the master fader.

Light Compression 

When I added the light compression into the mix, I had it at a -12.0dB threshold and a ratio of 2.7:1, this meant that hardly any of the track was being compressed.

Heavy Compression 

On the other aux track, I added heavy compression. The compression’s ratio was 11.9:1 which was a fairly high ratio and it’s threshold was -22dB, this meant that the majority of the track was being compressed.

When the 2 tracks have been ‘summed’ together, it means that the light compression will ‘cancel’ out the heavy compression. With the heavy compression, I am reducing the dynamic range. Adding the two together means that we can have the peaks from the light compression with the overall loudness of the heavy compression.