Why Your Parallel Compression Sounds Wrong (and How to Fix It)
Ever felt like your parallel compression just isn’t hitting right, even when your plugin settings seem perfect? The problem might not be your compressor at all. It’s how your signal is being sent.
Post-Fader Sends: Why They Work for Reverbs but Not Compression
By default, most DAWs (including Cubase) send signals post-fader. That means your signal goes into your effect channel after the channel’s fader. For time-based effects like reverb or delay, that’s exactly what you want. When you lower the channel fader, the reverb or delay also lowers naturally with it. Perfect for smooth automation and level control.
The Problem with Parallel Compression
When you use the same post-fader logic for parallel compression or saturation, things start falling apart. As soon as you move your channel fader, you change how much signal feeds the compressor. That throws off your entire parallel balance. Less signal equals less compression, which defeats the whole purpose.
Switching to Pre-Fader Sends
One simple fix is switching your send to pre-fader mode. In Cubase, you can do this by clicking the small icon next to the send level. Now your signal hits the compressor before the fader, keeping your gain reduction consistent no matter where your fader is set.
But there’s a catch. Moving your main fader still changes the balance between your dry and compressed tracks. So while pre-fader helps, it doesn’t fully solve the problem.
Two Reliable Fixes That Actually Work
- Use a Group Channel: Route both your dry and parallel channels into a group. Now, when you automate volume, you’re controlling the entire balance from that group instead of the individual fader. Your send levels stay locked in place.
- Use a VCA Fader: If your DAW supports VCAs (like Cubase Pro), this is a beautiful solution. A VCA fader lets you control multiple tracks together while preserving their relative balance. So when you lower the vocal, both the dry and parallel compression channels move together perfectly.
So… Does It Really Matter?
Some engineers might shrug it off if they’re only moving a dB or two. But in a precise mix, even a small imbalance can shift how your parallel compression interacts with the rest of the track. Personally, I like when everything stays perfectly in phase and balanced, especially with vocals and drums where dynamics are key.
So next time your parallel compression feels off, remember: it’s probably not the plugin. It’s how you’re routing your signal.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to fix it with pre-fader sends, group channels, or VCAs, the goal is the same; keep your parallel blend consistent and powerful. Once you do, you’ll notice your mixes feel tighter, punchier, and way more controlled.
➜ Now go test it out in your next mix!
And if you want to dive deeper into Cubase mixing techniques, check out the full video on my YouTube channel for a complete walkthrough and demo.