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6/1/2011

Use busing to apply parallel compression

OBJECTIVE
Enhance dynamics for compressed drum tracks

BACKGROUND
Compression can help give a bigger drum sound, but reduces dynamics. Mixing an uncompressed version of the drums in with the compressed sound can help restore punch.

Step 1
Assign a Send from the drum’s audio track to a bus (e.g., Bus 1–2).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2
Select Track > New and specify a stereo Aux Input track (assuming the drums are stereo).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3
Assign the Aux Input’s input path selector to Bus 1–2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4
Insert the desired compressor in one of the Aux Input track’s inserts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5
Click on the drum Audio Track’s Send to Bus 1–2. The Send window opens; click on Pre so the bus level isn’t influenced by the drum track’s level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6
Adjust the Send fader and Aux return fader for the desired balance of compressed drum sound with the dry drum sound from the audio track.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS
¦ Step 6: Sometimes it works better to set the compressed drum level first, then bring up the dry drum track to add dynamics.

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