Vance Powell shares his approach to parallel compression, a crucial element in his mixing workflow. He highlights the importance of setting up a gain structure that allows for efficient integration of parallel compression while maintaining the overall gain staging of the mix.
Powell uses various busses to apply parallel compression to specific instruments, such as drums, vocals, and electric guitars. For drums, he employs a combination of the Neve 33609 and Empirical Labs Fatso, achieving a dynamic and tonally rich sound by blending compressed signals back into the mix.
He also applies parallel compression to guitars and keyboards using a second Neve 33609 compressor, and to vocals with a GML 8900 compressor, ensuring each element benefits from tailored compression settings.
Powell emphasizes the flexibility of his setup, allowing him to adjust or bypass compression based on the source material's needs.