Subgroups for a piano or strings?

[bryced87]

I got confused recently because I saw an article that shows subgroups for a piano and string track when there is only one piano and string recording. What's the point of this? I understand having a drumsub group since you have more than one drum element but why a subgroup for a piano when there is only one piano the whole song? Can't you just apply all your plugins to the piano track and not need the subgroup? The article explains that you put compression on the subgroup of the piano but put EQ and effects on the main piano track. I don't see any reason for this unless I'm missing something.

[cwsand]

Originally Posted by bryced87

I got confused recently because I saw an article that shows subgroups for a piano and string track when there is only one piano and string recording. What's the point of this? I understand having a drumsub group since you have more than one drum element but why a subgroup for a piano when there is only one piano the whole song? Can't you just apply all your plugins to the piano track and not need the subgroup? The article explains that you put compression on the subgroup of the piano but put EQ and effects on the main piano track. I don't see any reason for this unless I'm missing something.

It's not always technically necessary, it's just a matter of workflow and what you're used to. Plus, often if different reverbs are added for the piano and strings for each submix, then any processing you add to aux track will process both the original track and reverb. I find myself making subgroups for drums and guitars, and even though the bass may not technically need one, I make one anyway for consistency.

[mickelini]

Possibly about parallel processing. Some engineers mix a compressed track with an uncompressed one. Different quality than a single compressed track.