Why I Rely on Parallel Compression More Than Regular Compression

[@ThomasJGuitar]

This has literally CHANGED THE SOUND of my mixes! Keep up the good work Chris, the views and subscribers will come.

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the comment and positive vibes ThomasJ. I'm just happy to help out :)

[@russwilson2305]

Boost the hi and lows of the crushed for more excitement.

[@josenation2189]

After years of not quite knowing what the hell other tutorials were trying to tell and show me about parallel compression, I finally understand what I need to do. Thank you for not trying to sound more intelligent by obfuscating the details. You prove how smart you really are by keeping it simple.

[@timoti2]

Yes, that!

[@jackfitzgerald1808]

Only 223 subscribers?! This has got to be the most underrated Channel on KZbin. Amazing work. You are a great help.

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Haha, thanks Jack :) No worries from me. Just working hard to deliver good LPX content.

[@kaspartambur]

@@WhyLogicProRules I kind of like it to stay this way. Your humbleness and dedication to what you think is necessary to understand is many times much more important than what the most popular channels with aggressive followers think is important to discuss.

[@josenation2189]

47k now. Someone heard you. Needs to be more.

[@robertsole1420]

I've been watching your videos for about a couple of months and they're wonderful. I just started working with Logic Pro X in 1/2020 after never using any digital recording or even an IMac so it was difficult but it started to get better. Thank you!

[@NeilTurkRealty]

Been doing this on all my mixes for months now. Such a game changer! Thank you so much!

[@Captainhit]

Once again, extremely important info ....in the morning before working the studio ...... WITH coffee! Thanks again, David !!

[@comradebrucewayne2607]

This account is so goated.... most important account on KZbin for Logic users

[@derekmidgley]

Reminds me of the "Orton Effect" in photography. People will probably laugh at me saying that. Concept is so similar. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DEVDerr]

You're amazing dude. Really. I can't even image how many of us did you help with those E X T R E M E L Y valuable videos.

[@timoti2]

Any reason why not to just use the mix control in Logic (and many other) compressors? to save all that extra mixingrouting realestate? Asking for a friend;. (Hye BTW somehow you've done it again Chris - the first genuinely useful parallel compression tut i've seen so far.)

[@scottsmithalive]

I don't know how many times I've watched this really. It's awesome.

[@linadecaseleycarloss5838]

Absolutely superb content Sir...! Been using Logic since 2004 & you have still managed to find things I never knew existed. Thankyou & please continue. Subscribed!!!

[@tisbonus]

Good content. I found that 4 to1 is considered light compression. Sometimes it is easier to just turn the track up 1db instead of compressing more. Otherwise the life gets squashed out of the signal.

[@michaelandremovies]

Thank you Chris! This is genius; smoothing out while retaining dynamics. This is the art of sound sculpting.

[@proverbalizer]

why not just use the mix knob on the logic compressor?

[@pb25193]

You can do that too

[@dougc84]

You can. And I do that a lot in most of my stuff. But, if you need to make tweaks, particularly in a large project with a lot of tracks, it's a lot easier to adjust a fader (or a bunch of faders) rather than opening a half dozen compressor windows. If you want to use the mix knob instead of a bus, you just need to make sure that compressor comes last. If you don't, the dynamics can change from any effects added after it (though... maybe that's desired!). If you use a bus track, you ensure the parallel compression of the finished track (with any effects) occurs when it's supposed to happen and you have easier control. It's more of a workflow thing that isn't exactly necessary on a song with a half dozen tracks, but can make a big difference when you're dealing with 50 or 100.

[@MrBryan90]

​@@dougc84 So if I were to use the mix knob instead of sending to busses, how much % should I aim for to get the same effect?

[@dougc84]

@@MrBryan90 As much (or as little) as desired. There's no right or wrong answer - it depends on the track you're working on, it's specific dynamics, all that. You gotta use your ears. There's no magic value. Guitarists tend to use compressors on their pedalboards that have blend knobs (parallel compression) to retain some of the natural attack, and that's usually what parallel compression aims to do - keep some of the original while overlaying some of the compression.

[@ToddPentney]

Very nice video! Everyone always says to use more parallel compression. Your video shows how to do it specific to Logic with no extra plugins needed. Great job!

[@conrow1157]

Thx. But why don’t you play with the dry/wet knob of the compressor and put it directly on the vocal track with a nearly dry signal?

[@2112ZOZ]

Awesome vid! Many thanks. I've been using parallel comp on drums for ages, but not my other instruments. You've convinced me to change that. Cheers!

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Thanks so much 2112ZOZ! Give it a try and let me know what you think :)

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Absolutely loving your tutorials. So many excellent tips, and you have a great speaking voice :)

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Really appreciate it David, thank you!

[@TheBissco]

I love this technique, but have a question: The compressors seem to have a built-in parallel feature using the Mix knob on the output section. Does it not work the same way? If it does, it seems like more work to set up Sends when you can just dial in whatver amount of the harder compression for CRUSHING.

[@nihilisticalbino]

Well yeah, it's the same, such as reverb's wet and dry, but I find it more comfortable to use in a bus xD

[@AlexOwensmusic]

Could you make a tutorial on using Waves Vocal rider?

[@RobertVincelli]

Really enjoying your videos man. Learning a lot!

[@21stCenturySin]

Hey Chris! I wanted to ask, I’m not understanding the part when you send the track to a bus, it looks like there is a volume level in the original track channel strip for the bus setting, set to 2 o’clock (75%) or so. What is that? And how should that be set?

[@StonethrownMusic]

How do you go about Gain staging when you add crush tracks in? Do you level match with a VU meter on the mix bus?

[@newguy6935]

Just curious why, instead of creating an Aux channel, wouldn't you just use the Mix knob on the compressor to find a mix between the crunched vocal and the non-crunched vocal. Wouldn't using the Mix knob be doing essentially the same thing? Doing so would do away with the need to create an Aux channel and save computer resources as well (I think). Thanks.

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Hey Steve, good call! We certainly could use the Mix Knob instead of a separate Aux. And sometimes I do. The compromise of a Mix Knob is as you blend in the "wetness" of the compression, the track level/feel starts to change as it gets sucked into the compression. With a parallel Aux, the main channel's level never changes. The parallel compression channel simply blends underneath.

[@philipdunck5825]

@@WhyLogicProRules Now I got the difference. You're a true master.

[@richardridings7511]

Great Tip. What a difference. BTW I love the track...is it on Spotify/Apple Music?

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Thanks Richard! And it sure is :) music.apple.com/us/album/threw-it-into-the-ocean/1318207395?i=1318207620

[@IoannisKazlaris]

Could I ask for a demonstration of parallel compression in Logic using external hardware?

[@saltyfellow]

So nice your videos! Keep up nourishing us with great ideas and tips! Thank you so much!!!!

[@jackfitzgerald1808]

That is a solid result. Thanks a lot, I’m going to use this on the albums I’m mixing now.

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Awesome! Hope it works well for you Jack.

[@Un-Ez]

Love your channel. I noticed you were sending to a mono aux for parallel compression on your vocal. I've tried this but notice that if I pan the Vocal from the audio track, the parallel compression does not pan with it and remains in the center. What can I do about that, need help?

[@StephenPickering]

What would be your Phat FX settings that are comparable to the Soundtoys settings? I just noticed the Phat FX has so many more different parameters. Thanks!

[@adamnienke3633]

If you're doing it through a bus, is it better to have the bus fader at 100% and then control volume with the little knob by the bus selector on the vocal track or is it easier the other way around, have a full signal between bus and track and then bring up the vocal fader slowly? Sorry I know that was a wordy question.

[@dddvision]

I love your videos. But, I gotta ask a contrary question here... Instead of copying the track, why not turn the mix knob on the compressor? I assume that mix input/output means dry/wet, and that lets you decide how much to color the sound. Is that right?

[@TiniLShadesofTL]

I get you!! I felt the same way too... thank you for making this video!!!

[@TheMirolab]

I need to revisit this, because years ago, when I experimented with parallel paths in logic, I was getting phasing issues due to latency through the compressor plugin. Maybe these newest versions of Logic have addressed this issue. I hope so!!

[@SuperMutatis]

i was having the same problem! the cymbals sounded all washy

[@SimonTittley]

Thank you Chris instant weight and stability - excellent post :-)

[@benzakonium]

Great video. Thanks for such a useful tip.

[@bettertoolatethannever]

too easy, thanks man, loving your work!

[@ThompaThelin]

Hi ! loving you videos, still getting new ideas and tips from you and I have used logic since apple bought Emagic :) keep up the good work :)

[@scottp4193]

Great video man.

[@kaspartambur]

Is it called parallel compression because you already had a soft-almost undistinguishable compressor on the vocal track? ( and then added another "balls to the walls" one, which you mixed in with the original) , or is parallel compression just the second part that you take an uncompressed track and mix a hard-hitting compressor subtly?

[@xXAtmosphere]

I noticed your audio tracks are not outputting to the stereo mix, but are outputting to another bus. Can you tell me your process with that? I can see some benefits regarding automation interacting with the parallel compression thereshold, but I cant seem to find any info out there about when and why to send an audio track output to a bus other than using it for a full submix.

[@Tekitotujama]

Hello, so i have question. why so many aux tracks of parallel compression and not just only one aux track and send everything to there ( drums bass, synths, etc.) what is the difference? Im currently just using only one aux track but i just saw this video. Cheers

[@tedjlegrand]

I think its because f the threshold level, it will be different on every track and wont hit the compressor the same way

[@peterbondy]

In this example you still have compression on the original vocal in the channel strip. Is this just gentle compression to tidy the performance a little before you do the big crush in your parallel bus?

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Hey Peter, you are correct! I do use "regular compression" all the time ("regular" meaning that I place compressors on the tracks themselves). Those are to do some general "tidying." After that I lean heavily on parallel compression to really give my tracks stability :)

[@unhookedunhooked3219]

I like your videos. Out of interest. How pro can the average Jo make a record from there bedroom sound pro? Do we seriously have all the tools to do that in logic?

[@gconyers]

What is the name of this song? I love it and want to download it.

[@555tchoutchou]

@t

[@debarjo]

Tom Crush! That's a Maverick!

[@rickyparis5005]

Game changer, cheers

[@aarong4220]

Loving the tutorials! Just a quick question for ya. How does bussing the signal to a new channel to crush and compress and fading differ from putting a compressor on the main channel and just using the dry/wet of the compressor to taste?

[@TheFrankiejay]

Aaron Gomirato With parallel compression, you are blending two tracks unlike just putting a compressor on one single track.

[@cowboylemonheadmedia]

Is this song on tidal? I want to check out the final print.

[@ManCalledMif]

Very helpful video. Thanks ❤️

[@Ajonra]

Do you have any videos where you build a mix like this from scratch? Or from beginning to end?

[@jamessanders2007]

It's like raising the Rms while still retaining transients?

[@chandlermcmahan7700]

There’s such a philosophical point you make at 1:49

[@chipgaasche4933]

That's your idea of a philosophical point?

[@charlesgraham4286]

Love it thanks Chris

[@chriswftdj]

Great channel. Thanks man

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Thanks for checking out the channel :)

[@jacobcroket9618]

How do you stop it from phasing?

[@joeyf808]

Great Vids! Do you have a mixing course?

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Thanks Joey! Not yet, but I've been considering it. I'm always open to hearing your (and anyone's) thoughts on the subject of a WLPR mixing course :)

[@philipdunck5825]

@@WhyLogicProRules Would be really great man. I'm lookin to master LPX and lookin for a place to start collaborations.

[@MacManFinalCut]

Wow! great tutorial

[@Synequanon]

Hi Chris, is using two compressors on the main track a mandatory thing ? Why do you use two of them ?

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Hey Synequanon! Not at all mandatory. Using 2 instances of compression, each compressing lightly, can sometimes work better than using one compressor heavily. Using 2 can provide a nice sturdy sound while still sounding transparent and not overly compressed.

[@Synequanon]

@@WhyLogicProRules Thanks so much for replying. I'll try that. Your mixes sound so huge ! Another question, when you're using markers for a song and you get over 9, how do you get to the ones above 9 using the numeric keypad ?

[@davdenm]

Nice one!

[@OliviaMcShaneMusic]

thank you for this!

[@golden.gates.]

no phase issues?

[@JoseFlores-be8bw]

Thanks dude

[@rollvideo]

I hear some distracting artefacts in the vocals at around 11min30 in the video. Perhaps it was your screen capture software.

[@MikeCarlyleWMass]

I tried this last night, @Why Logic Pro Rules. It started out sounding promising, but I realized I was picking up a flanging sound on my drums. Something about the stereo field when blending these two tracks that I could not sort out. Any ideas on how to account for that or get around it?

[@rollvideo]

Just a stab in the dark here; try using a different EQ. You’ve probably already scooped out the low end by using an EQ and it’s possible that the EQ is the cause of your phase issues. The Linear Phase EQ is a more transparent equaliser that doesn’t introduce any phase inconsistencies. Oh yeah, and make sure your Kick at the very least is on a mono channel.

[@polyvenom]

Could also try inverting the signal on one of the two. I think the gain plugin has a phase invert button, I've used it on phasy vocal doubles before

[@bettertoolatethannever]

cool tune bro

[@dmitrilavinchuk7754]

Thanks !!!

[@palodine1]

thanks man!

[@trulyronson]

Amazing!

[@dr0ppazeti68]

I started out on Logic, and have since moved to FL to make beats on... This video is a huge reminder of how much goddamn work it takes to make a mix sound halfway decent in Logic... Fl is so much user-friendly and SOUNDS so much ballsier off the rip... I cant help but feel like i’ve saved sooo much time in the long-run by switching DAWs to fl... But this video was helpful as I still prefer to use Logic for my vocal recordings (lighter feel to the overall mix) so thank you 🙏🏽 Always looking for ways to enhance my mixes in both my beats and music 💪🏽 Good video

[@nimck-y2z]

Nah man it's not the DAW but whatever you prefer

[@renatoniola1187]

the get up kids style?

[@marshallx1162]

big thx bro ！！

[@WhyLogicProRules]

Thanks Marshall X :)

[@KarlGutowski]

Logic Pro rules for people who never learned other software.

[@lilrodman]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CieriouslyNow]

It’s always something completely unintentional in these videos that ends up being revelatory to me and makes me feel like I’m unobservant as hell. What the fuck is phat fx and how’ve I never noticed its existence

[@exploringworld4736]

im using logic but its not pro

[@nevaimuzik8289]

Instagram or twitter page?

[@WhyLogicProRules]

No Instagram, Twitter does exist at twitter.com/logicprorules . But I found my email list to be the best way to stay connected.

[@vigilant545]

I'm a noob but I think that all pro mixers get the files from the producer who already tweaked every sound hard. Then it makes sense to make subtle moves because the big fish was already taken care of. No one is talking about that.

[@ignuramus4804]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful. However, is it just me or is that the sound of your lips smacking after every sentence. It’s pretty loud and distracting.

[@pyzerchiefs]

omg now i cant unhear it. Thanks alot you ignuramus

[@mblackman1170]

Didn’t notice it until you mentioned it..😅

[@GJSolo]

I love your content, but please, for the love of God put a gate on your voice so the sound of your tongue peeling off the roof of your mouth is cut out lol.

[@marcomontesa]

Thank you!!!