Unlock the Power of Parallel Compression: Tips, Tricks, and Scheps Secrets
Ready to add some serious punch and polish to your mixes? In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we dive deep into parallel compression—aka “New York Style Compression”—and how it can take your tracks from flat to fabulous.
First, we’ll break down the basics: what is parallel compression, and why has it become a go-to secret weapon for engineers everywhere? We’ll explore two popular methods to achieve it, from classic aux sends to modern plugin magic. Learn why blending a heavily compressed signal with your original track creates that larger-than-life sound, and discover the sweet spots for your compression settings.
But we’re not stopping there. We’ll shine the spotlight on Andrew Scheps’ legendary “Rear Bus Compression” technique—what it is, how it works, and why it might just be the missing link in your mix. Whether you’re chasing fat drums, thick vocals, or a cohesive mix that slaps, this episode has the goods.
Expect practical tips, a few laughs, and plenty of insight to level up your mixing game. Let’s get compressed, baby!
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com
In this episode Chris and Jody tackle two powerful tools in every engineer’s arsenal: multi-band compressors and dynamic EQs. They break down the mechanics behind these dynamic processors, clarify the key differences, and share expert tips on when to reach for each in your mix. Whether you’re looking to control specific frequency ranges or give vocals that polished touch, this episode has you covered.
Tune in to hear how Chris and Jody use these processors on different instruments and vocals, offering practical applications and real-world examples. Plus, they’ll reveal their go-to multi-band compressors and dynamic EQ plugins, so you can get inspired to enhance your toolkit. From understanding the nuances of frequency-dependent compression to knowing the sweet spots for applying dynamic EQ, this episode is packed with insights to help you improve your mixing techniques.
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody delve into the art of compressing electric guitars, sharing expert insights on how to get the most out of your compression tools. Whether you’re aiming for tight, punchy tones or smooth, sustained textures, understanding when and how to use compression is crucial for achieving professional-level guitar mixes.
We cover everything from subtle dynamic control to more aggressive techniques, helping you decide when it’s necessary to apply compression. Explore the nuances of track-based compression versus bus compression, and learn how these approaches can be used to add punch and clarity or glue a mix together. We also discuss our go-to compressors for electric guitars, including iconic models like the 1176 for aggressive, fast-attack control, the LA-2A for smooth, transparent leveling, the Distressor for versatility, and the SSL compressor for adding cohesion on the bus.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or looking to refine your skills, this episode provides practical advice on using these classic tools to sculpt your guitar tones to perfection. We’ll take you through real-world examples, showing how different compressors can shape the sound of electric guitars and when each tool shines the brightest.
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com
In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, we break down the art of hearing compression in your recordings—specifically focusing on how compression affects the sound of a brass snare drum using Logic’s Platinum Compressor.
Compression can be a tricky tool to master, especially when it comes to subtle changes in dynamics. Join us as we discuss:
- Understanding Compression: We start by explaining how compression works on an instrument like a snare drum, particularly a brass snare, and how it shapes the attack, sustain, and release of the sound.
- Using Logic’s Platinum Compressor: Learn how to dial in the right settings on Logic’s versatile Platinum Compressor to hear the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences. From threshold to ratio, attack, and release, we guide you through the parameters to tweak for maximum effect.
- Listening Techniques: Not sure what you should be listening for? We break down key listening tips so you can learn to hear compression as it smooths out transients, tightens up dynamic range, and gives the snare its distinctive punch.
- Creative vs. Transparent Compression: Discover the difference between using compression to subtly enhance your mix and using it as a creative tool to completely reshape the sound of an instrument.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to understand compression or a seasoned producer fine-tuning your ear, this episode will help you harness the power of compression on your drum recordings. Tune in now to Inside the Recording Studio and start making more intentional compression decisions!
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com