Audio Engineering

Understanding Parallel Signal Patching

The Music Telegraph | Text 2025/10/10 [16:20]
Audio Engineering

Understanding Parallel Signal Patching

The Music Telegraph| 입력 : 2025/10/10 [16:20]

 

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Understanding Parallel Signal Patching

 

Parallel signal patching, also known as 'parallel routing', is a fundamental audio engineering technique that allows an engineer or producer to process an audio signal while keeping the original, unaltered version available. This approach provides flexibility, precision, and creative control in mixing and sound design.

 

In simple terms, parallel routing involves splitting a signal into two or more paths such that one path carries the dry (unprocessed) signal and the other path(s) carry wet (processed) versions of the signal. These paths are later blended back together at the mixer or summing point. The key advantage is that you can adjust the amount of processed sound without permanently affecting the original source.

 

One of the most common uses of parallel signal routing is 'reverb'. By sending a copy of a track, such as a vocal or snare drum, to a reverb unit or plugin via an auxiliary send, engineers can mix the reverberated wet signal with the dry track to create depth and space without downing the original clarity. However, parallel routing is not limited to reverb. It is also widely used for:

  • Parallel Compression (a.k.a. New York Compression): Blending a heavily compressed version of a track with the original signal to add punch and density while maintaining transients and dynamics.
  • Parallel Saturation or Distortion: Adding harmonic richness to a track by mixing a processed (distorted) signal underneath the clean one.
  • Parallel EQ: Applying EQ only to a duplicate path to enhance specific frequencies subtly.

 

In most digital audio workstations (DAWs), parallel routing is achieving using auxiliary sends, busses, or group channels. In analog setups, it can be done using patch bays, splitters, or mixing console aux sends/returns. For example:

 

(1) Send a vocal track's signal to an aux channel

(2) Insert a reverb plugin on that aux track

(3) Set the reverb plugin's mix to 100% wet

(4) Adjust the aux send level to control how much reverb is blended into the main mix.

 

This method preserves the original vocal's integrity while adding spatial enhancement.

 

Parallel routing offers several key benefits for audio production. It provides flexibility, allowing engineers to adjust the wet/dry balance easily without reprocessing the signal. Its non-destructive workflow ensures that the original source remains untouched, preserving the integrity of the sound. Parallel routing also promotes creative freedom, enabling multiple processing chains to be explored simultaneously, and it offers dynamic control, allowing subtle enhancements that enrich the mix without overpowering it.

 

 

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