Complete software
Waves Scheps Parallel Particles is a creative processing plugin designed to instantly enhance the feel of a sound: deeper lows, more air, more thickness, more bite. Rather than stacking EQ, saturation, exciter, and compression in parallel, you have here four musical controls that adjust multiple parameters simultaneously, with a clear goal: to work on the attitude of the track (energy, intensity, softness, aggressiveness) without getting lost in technicalities.
It naturally fits into mixing to make a vocal stand out, give weight to a bass, solidify drums, or make an instrument more present in the midrange. In mastering (or pre-mastering), it can also add a touch of brightness and density, to be dosed precisely, in order to better "glue" a modern production in pop, rock, hip-hop, electro, or film music.
Developed with mixer and producer Andrew Scheps (known for his work with major artists), Scheps Parallel Particles combines parallel processing chains focused on results. Each macro acts as an "intention module": you turn one knob, and several internal settings adjust to create a coherent sensation, ready to integrate into a mix.
The Sub control generates low harmonics absent from the original signal. The idea differs from a simple EQ: instead of boosting an already present area (with the risk of making the low end muddy), you add a foundation that can remain clearer. This is especially relevant to thicken a kick, add weight to a bass, or provide surprising support to less obvious sources like an acoustic piano.
The Air control synthesizes high harmonics to achieve a sense of openness and softness, with brightness designed to stay musical. It can be used to add a halo on back vocals, give presence to strings or textures, or apply a fine layer of "polish" on a bus or master when the mix lacks light.
Bite is designed to enhance the sensation of snap and definition on attacks. At low doses, it brings subtle intensity that helps a track find its place in the mix. Pushed further, it delivers a more direct and aggressive character, useful on drums, acoustic guitars, keyboards, or vocals when you want a more impactful presence.
The Thick control works the midrange area to add body and a sense of foreground. It can thicken a vocal, densify guitars, add substance to an organ, or reinforce the impact of a snare and toms. In practice, it is an excellent tool to "bring forward" a track in the mix without using a complex chain.
The spirit of Scheps Parallel Particles is to make you work fast: you listen to what the track "tells," then adjust Sub, Air, Thick, and Bite until you achieve the right balance between power, clarity, density, and aggressiveness. The result: a plugin particularly effective in modern production when you need to quickly move from a "clean" sound to one with character that holds its place in the arrangement.