Join Loopcloud now and get the I Heart NY ($29 value) compressor VST plugin by BABY Audio for FREE.
The I Heart NY compressor is already a favorite of many music makers. It’s popular because it makes parallel compression easy and affordable.
When I was a young musician, I focused far more on composition and harmony than mixing or production techniques.
It wasn’t till a year or two into it that I took an interest in how the other side of the studio worked. Before then, I’d hear certain things mentioned often, and parallel compression was one of them.
So, for anyone who might be like I was back then, parallel compression, in simple terms, is when a dry (unprocessed) signal is mixed with a heavily compressed signal. It’s often used on drums, and it’s a great way to apply heavy compression without losing all sense of dynamics.
It’s also known as New York compression.
The I Heart NY plugin works by splitting your input signal in two. One signal goes straight through, and the other is sent through the Spank control.
The Spank knob controls how much high-ratio compression you want to apply to the parallel signal. It also adds some EQ and a filter that preserves some more of the low-end. Used on the right source, it can really beef up your sound.
The next stop on the GUI is the Parallel Signal fader, which controls the level of the parallel signal that is added to your dry signal. It’s effortless to use, but you do need to be responsible with the Parallel Signal fader. If you don’t adjust it accordingly to suit your dry signal, you won’t get the proper effect.
The Output knob controls the level of the combined signal. The last function to mention is the Solo button, which turns off the dry signal, giving you a standard compressor.
I can see why a lot of people like this plugin. It’s straightforward and effective.
New York compression is popular on drums, but it can be applied to just about anything when done tastefully; or distastefully if that’s what you’re going for. As dull as it may sound, drums and synths are my primary use for this kind of compression but feel free to go wild with it.
Lastly, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m a longtime Loopcloud user, and I love it. It’s no sales pitch, I just have phases when I need access to a lot of samples, and I’ve always been able to find what I need there.
I Heart NY is available for macOS and Windows in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats.
More info: I Heart NY (FREE with a Loopcloud trial this month)
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14 Comments
T Bhanu Teja
onPlease anyone share the code with me . I am 15 years old and I don’t have credit cards.
T Bhanu Teja
onPlease anyone share the code with me . I am 15 years old and I don’t have credit cards. Please
Masked tiger
onthey give you a code which is meant only for you and you must take the trial for that i suppose u can cancel it anytime as well like literally after claiming ur lisense too i think lol idk . .. anyways lucky for me i got I HEART NY for free last year with plugin boutique’s promo . cant belive its been 1 year tho time flies Xd
conclusion : u must have a credit card to activate the trial it cant be helped i suppose
Masked tiger
oni was replying to @T BHANU TEJA :/ oops
T Bhanu Teja
onThen I need to wait till 3 years 😢 ;(
PureFire
onHey, although this plug-in makes things simple, you could have a search for a video on parallel compression, theres two ways that i know of & they both give you total control over your sound too.
One way is to copy your audio to another track, line both audio tracks up, in the copied audio channel, add heavy ratio to your compressor (try different types of compression) & heavy bass & treble to your EQ. Analog Obsession – Rare BPB Edition seems ideal, then blend the compressed signal into your original audio. Or you can create a bus with a compressor & EQ, then just process your audio in the same way 😊
.
bedroomproducersblog.com/2021/02/24/rare-bpb/
James N
onThanks for the helpful comment, and nod to the Rare BPB Edition!
PureFire
onThanks James, another great write up from you too, hope your keeping well 👍
I absolutely love the Rare EQ, it’s just an awesome sound it gives & it’s a pleasure to own & use it, thanks again Analog Obsession & BPB.
Ike
onYou most likely introduce phase artefacts using this method. Compressor with built-in mix knob are usually better. Klanghelm DC1A for example is good!
Aris
onKiive audio released WARMY EP1A TUBE EQ for free. (Pulteq eq)
Michal Ochedowski
onThere is an issue in Warmy EP1A. CUT knob for low frequencies has a range of +/- 3.5 dB only, not 10 dB. I’ve sent a message to developer.
Michal Ochedowski
onSome more good news: Fuse Audio Labs releases FREE VREV-666 Spring Reverb
Rox Roll
onIf you really want parallel compression for free,I think combear from wa production is not a bad one.
Ike
onKlanghelm DC1A does parallel compression (and more) for free and you can directly download it without hassle!