In an audio mix using an analog mixing console and analog compressors, parallel compression is achieved by sending a monophonic or stereo signal in two or more directions and then summing the multiple pathways, mixing them together by ear to achieve the desired effect. One pathway is straight to the summing mixer, while other pathways go through mono or stereo compressors, set aggressively for high-ratio gain reduction. The compressed signals are brought back to the summing mixer and blended in with the straight signal.