How to create parallel processing in Logic Pro

Explore parallel processing in Logic Pro to enhance drums, vocals, and more. Learn to blend dry and wet signals for powerful, nuanced effects.

Mixing & Effects · advanced level

Steps

  1. Set Up a Bus Send to an Auxiliary Track

    Select the track you want to process in parallel. In the Channel Strip Inspector (press 'I'), create a new send by clicking an empty slot, choosing "Bus" > "Bus 1" (or an available bus). An Auxiliary track will be automatically created with Bus 1 as its input.

  2. Add a Compressor/Effect to the Auxiliary Track

    Select the Auxiliary track. In its 'Audio FX' slot, insert a heavy compressor, like "Dynamics" > "Compressor." Drive it hard to achieve a crushed sound. You can also add other effects like saturation or EQ here.

  3. Adjust Send Level and Blend

    Go back to the original track. Use the send knob for Bus 1 to control how much signal is sent to the compressed auxiliary track. This allows you to blend the heavily processed auxiliary track (often called the 'wet' signal) with the original, unprocessed track (the 'dry' signal).

  4. Fine-Tune Auxiliary Track Level

    Adjust the fader of the Auxiliary track to control the overall level of the parallel processed signal. Listen carefully and find the sweet spot where the blend adds punch and density without sounding over-compressed or unnatural.

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