2016-10-12 07:26:19

Published: 2016-10-12

With Reason 7 a new feature called parallel processing for the SSL Mixer. Even while parallel effect processing has been there in the current Reason Rack, it may result in to many questions on what kind of impact this feature might have in Reason. Also, it may increase the amount of riddles on how to set up a basic parallel unit in older versions of Reason.

Parallel Compression

The main concept of parallel effect processing is often used in a set up called Parallel Compression or NY compression. This type of compression is one of the favorite amongst producers or mixing engineers since it is a very easy method to make a sound become dynamic and loud at the same time.

The main concept of Parallel Compression works as followed:

Parallel compression works best using percussion tracks. This adds punch and can create percussion tracks that stand out in the mix.

With the announcement of Reason 7. The parallel track can be created pretty easy from the SSL Mixer. However, with the existing software we have (Reason 2.5 and higher) we can already create parallel effects using the Spider Audio Merger splitter. Only downside with this set up is mixing and balancing.

The basic set up of creating a parallel compression in Reason 6.5

The basic set up to create parallel compression in Reason goes as followed:

- Create the instrument

- Create a spider audio merger splitter

- Create a compressor (while pressing and holding shift to avoid audio connections)

- Create a mixer 6:2 or mixer 14:2.

- Detach the instrument default audio connection

- Connect the audio from the instrument to the split segment of the spider audio merger splitter

- Connect one channel from the spider audio to the compressor

- Connect the compressor the mixer 14:2 or mixer 6:2

- Connect the second channel from the spider audio to the mixer 14:2 or mixer 6:2.

Eventually this will result in to the next connection schematic:



In this scheme the source instrument is a Thor patch. The Thor polysonic synthesizer gets connected to the MClass compressor. While a dry signal goes directly to the mixer channel.

Parallel Compression in Reason

Parallel Compression using Pulveriser

One effect in particular has a build in parallel compression method: the Pulveriser. Even while the Pulveriser was original intended to be a sound destruction unit. The device is versatile to use it as a fast parallel compression unit. The trick lies in using the Pulveriser as being a Squash only device, yet have the dry/wet balance determine the balance between the dry signal and the compressed signal.



Using the Pulveriser as a Parallel compression device in Reason

The only downside with the Pulveriser vs a Mclass Compressor set up is that there is no control on Ratio, Threshold or Attack on the Compressor. The Squash set up is fixed at this point. However sometimes the Pulveriser is a quick method to get a parallel compression set up to work.

Parallel Compression using Pulveriser in Reason

Combinator Parallel Unit

A very simple set up for making parallel compression is using the Combinator as an Audio Processor. In this case most of the controls can be programmed with in the Combinator itself. The patch can be saved, and brought up later on in the total mix. The Combinator needs to be used as an Audio Effect unit in this type of connection. Thus the main instrument gets plugged in the Combinator and the Combinator goes back in the final mix channel.

In this stage I have set up a parallel compression unit that does the basics for balancing the mix from dry > compressed. There are 3 additional rotaries to control the Threshold, Ratio and Attack.

The Combinator in Reason can be set up for parallel effect processing. In this case the patch can be created once and brought back in the Reason Rack by loading up the patch.

Parallel Combinator Reason 6.5

Image to display how to use the Combinator as an Audio Effect processing unit. In this case the Combinator patch is our parallel compressor unit.