Martin writes:
Hi Bob,
Hope you are doing good.
I am studying your book on chapters 5-7.
On chapter 7, page 103 where you mention: Output level or makeup gain:
Where you write: “With the parallel compressor off (- infinity gain) there is no compression.”
I understand that clearly: the uncompressed + no sound from the parallel compressor = 100% parallel UN-compressed.
But when you then write: “Above about -5db, compression will very noticeable”
Dear Martin
I meant -5 dB being the value of the wet gain (the mix of the wet level). When the wet gain is set as high as -5 dB, the wet is mixed in at only 5 dB below the dry. This value is a little less wet than 50% dry/50% wet but it’s still quite strong. 50-50 would be wet and dry set equal, for example, wet 0 dB and dry 0 dB. Besides this being very strong compression (which could sound fine depending on the musical arrangement and your intent), the sum will go up significantly so watch for overload on the output of the mix. If you have a master output fader on the output of the wet/dry mix, you may have to turn it down.
If you do not have a master output fader but you want to avoid overload, you can get the same quality of compression as long as you maintain the ratio. If you want wet to be 5 dB below the dry you could, for example, set the dry to -8 and the wet to -13. It’ll be the same mix but at a lower total level.
Best wishes,
Bob