09) Unlocking True Parallel Processing
In my mixing I use a lot of parallel processing. Parallel compression, distortion, modulation, and obviously time-based effects. The benefit of using parallel processing is …
In my mixing, I rely heavily on parallel processing—whether it’s compression, distortion, modulation, or time-based effects. The beauty of parallel processing is that it allows you to shape sounds from the bottom up, rather than the top down. Effects like compression, distortion, and modulation no longer clamp down on the peaks of your signal; instead, they hover beneath, supporting and enhancing the sound’s foundation. You might know this technique as "Bottom-Up Compression," "NY Style Compression," or simply "Parallel Compression."
I’ve always loved a mix/blend knob on plugins, and in its default state, GOLD CLIP’s mix/blend works like any other. But it can do so much more.
While developing GOLD CLIP, I asked myself: Why don’t plugins offer a true parallel option for bottom-up processing? That question led to the creation of GOLD CLIP’s True Parallel Mixer—a feature that brings authentic bottom-up parallel processing directly into the plugin.
In addition, GOLD CLIP’s dry signal is a true dry signal—it bypasses oversampling entirely, remaining completely true to the source. This ensures pristine parallel processing with no coloration or alteration of the original signal.
What is a True Parallel Mixer?
A true parallel mixer lets you control the level of the dry signal independently from the wet signal. In Gold Clip, you can unlink the dry and wet signals by clicking the 🔗 symbol between the faders. This unlocks the ability to perform true parallel, bottom-up processing directly within the plugin.
To get started, keep the dry signal at full volume (0.0 dBFS) and blend the wet signal upward from below. This approach allows you to add just the right amount of processing without affecting the peaks of your original signal.
The wet signal contains all of Gold Clip's processing, while the dry signal is the plugin's true input, untouched by oversampling or gain manipulations. The dry signal is simply delayed to ensure it remains time- and phase-aligned with the wet signal.
This setup allows you to mix and blend the dry and wet signals as if Gold Clip were on a send-and-return channel in your DAW, providing full flexibility for true parallel processing.
Potential Uses for the Parallel Mixer
If you want your bass or 808s to decay into a bed of distortion, try this: heavily clip the track, keep the dry fader at full volume, and blend in the wet signal from the bottom up. This keeps the low end clean and pure while letting the bass decay into distortion. There’s even a preset designed for this technique called "Distortion Bed." Check it out!
For a variation with bottom-up compression, use the same preset but back off the clipping and lean into the Gold Processing. This allows sounds to decay into a bed of Gold compression. Or, for a faster setup, try the "Compression in Parallel" preset.
By unlinking the dry and wet faders, you unlock endless possibilities for parallel compression and distortion techniques. Blend effects to your taste, monitor short-term LUFS meters below the input and output meters, and use the output trim to match loudness.
These techniques are incredibly versatile—they work wonders on bass, drums, vocals, effects returns, and more. And the best part? There’s no need to set up aux sends and returns in your DAW. With Gold Clip, you can achieve parallel distortion and compression directly, working from the bottom up to shape your sound.
Hit reply and let me know how you use parallel processing in your work. Or, tag @SchwabeDigitalin an instagram story and show us how you are using it. We'll repost.
Happy record making~
Ryan Schwabe
Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum mixing & mastering engineer
10) Zooming In: Master Metering with Gold Clip
Did you know that GOLD CLIP's meters and waveform display scaling can be magnified?
The default scaling is +6 dBFS -> -36 dBFS, but if you double-click the scale …
Did you know that GOLD CLIP's meters and waveform display can be magnified for greater precision?
By default, the scaling is set to
+6 dBFS -> -36 dBFS
But you can zoom in by double-clicking the scale on either side of the display. This gives you two additional zoom levels:
+4dBFS -> -24dBFS
and
+2dBFS -> -12dBFS.
Zooming in lets you see more detail in the peaks, helping you fine-tune the precise amount of clipping you apply. Best of all, the zoom affects not only the waveform display but also the I/O meters and Clip Ceiling scaling, giving you a more detailed view across the entire interface.
Watch this 30-second video to see it in action!
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
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11) Sophisticated Oversampling, Simplified
Oversampling is a passionate subject for a lot of people, but I believe many spend far too much time thinking about it.
Oversampling in GOLD CLIP PACK: Keeping It Simple and Robust
Oversampling is a hot topic for many, but I believe it’s often overanalyzed. Still, I wanted to ensure GOLD CLIP PACK offers robust oversampling options while keeping things as straightforward as possible. My goal was to deliver a consistent sound, regardless of the sample rate set in your host session.
To achieve this, I designed Gold Clip to modulate its oversampling settings automatically, based on the session’s sample rate. Here’s how it works:
Oversampling Rate
High - 4x (44.1kHz & 48kHz host), 2x (88.2kHz and 96kHz host)
Pristine - 8x (44.1kHz & 48kHz host), 4x (88.2kHz and 96kHz host)
Extra Pristine - 16x (44.1kHz & 48kHz host), 8x (88.2kHz and 96kHz host)
This adaptive approach ensures consistent, high-quality processing across all session sample rates while optimizing CPU efficiency. Oversampling doesn’t have to be complicated. With GOLD CLIP PACK, you get the benefits without the hassle.
You can also set two oversampling rates in the settings page; "Real Time" and "Offline".
Oversampling Type
With GOLD CLIP PACK, you have the option to choose between linear phase and minimum phase oversampling, each offering distinct benefits. By default, Gold Clip Pack uses linear phase oversampling, as it’s optimal for most applications.
Linear Phase
Perfectly aligns the phase response between the wet and dry signals, ensuring clean and accurate parallel processing.
Ideal when using the parallel mixer within Gold Clip.
Comes with a negligible amount of pre-ringing, which is unlikely to be audible in most scenarios.
Minimum Phase
Optimized for transient response, delivering a slightly more natural feel in low-frequency transients.
Introduces a slight high-frequency phase shift, which can sometimes enhance certain material.
Both options are high-quality, mastering-grade implementations, and the sonic differences are subtle. We included both so you can choose the best option for your needs—but don’t overthink it. Stick with the default, make some hits, and let Gold Clip work its magic.
Oversampling Filters
Beyond the oversampling type and rate, Gold Clip Pack incorporates a custom-tuned, amplitude-modulated downsampling filter, anti-derivative anti-aliasing processing, and advanced anti-overshoot technology. My team and I meticulously crafted these filters to ensure they deliver smooth, clean, and powerful results with exceptional accuracy.
Our anti-overshoot technology ensures your audio remains below 0.0 dBFS at all times, preventing any peaks from shooting above the clip ceiling after downsampling.
Oversampling is a dense and often over-debated topic. We chose to make our oversampling as robust as possible, while still keeping it simple. Nerd out and try all the options or just leave it at its default and let it do its thing.
Test out the different options, hit reply and let me know what you think. Or, tag @SchwabeDigital in an instagram story and show us how you are using the new GOLD CLIP PACK. We'll repost.
Happy record making~
Be well,
Ryan Schwabe
2x Grammy-Nominated, Multi-Platinum Mixing and Mastering Engineer