Multiband Compression

[kornowsd]

Hi,
I am wondering where I can find some information/resources on the use of multi-band compression, expansion, etc. for mastering and processingn various instrument sounds. I'm sort of a "newbie" to this entire process and haven't found a lot of information with regards to this anywhere.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Dar

[DAS]

I haven't found too much information about it either. The owners manual for Waves Mastering Bundle has a lot of good info in it. It's a good start, but will still leave you wanting to know more.

[michaelhoddy]

For me, it helps to think of a multiband compressor as a "dynamic equalizer," meaning that you can control gain across definable frequency bands not just in fixed proportions, but in reaction to the ever-changing dynamics of the program or source material. A multiband compressor is a powerful shaping tool, and I often use them to fix problem vocals and instruments.

Another way to imagine it is as a multi-band de-esser that you can apply to any frequency range. Or as a crossover combined with several compressors and a summing mixer.

All of these analogies helped me understand the concept better when I first used them in hardware many years ago. I do agree that the best written tutorial, although far from exhaustive, are the manuals that come with the Waves Masters and Waves C4 plug-ins.

[kornodar37]

I sort of got all that from the minute amount of material that I've actually seen on multiband compression. However, there still remains a good deal outstanding on how to actually apply it in various situations, mix, single instrument, or otherwise.

While, in theory, I understand what the thing is and what it does, applying it is quite different. I'll agree, at times, I'm a bit dense...

Low-end applications, for instance... ratio/threshold/release??? If I were using a bass guitar I would setup a wide-band compressor for an attack time that let however much transient response through... release depending on the song, etc... Mid's, much the same way, etc... do the applications still act the same in multi-band compression? I would, on bass, set a threshold that's somewhat low... compression ratio between 4 & 6:1... release long (low frequency requires less recovery time)... attack somewhere around the mid-range... in the mids... I would set the threshold a bit higher to let some of the transients through... release times just a bit shorter than the lows... highs... even higher threshold and shorter release times... etc...

Dividing the song into "frequency bands"? How does one do that? How does one figure out what bands to use in 3-band, versus 6-band compression? How do I know which is better, 3-band, or 6-band, or even 2 band, or wideband for any given song? Can I use compression to "tighten" the mix... how best would I do that? Etc... those are the things that I'm looking forward to learning...

Thanks.

Dar

[reignstorm]

Hey,

There is a great program called Ozone, by Izotope. Unfortunately its only for PC...but fortunately the makers have created a fantastic guide to mastering with ozone...the techiniques are valid even if you aren't using Ozone. Go to the page below and download it...it sure helped me out.

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/ozone/ozoneguide.html

Let me know if it works for you...and if you use PC i definitely recommend the software....i love it. I hate that I cant use it on mac.

Good luck
-darren

[cmchamp]

DAR:
Learn by playing around and what works best for you. I use Digital Performer, presently don't have any other multiband besides the MasterWorks plug in that came with the software. I've used it with great success so far, but am experiencing the need to have more flexibility.

Anyway, I've used it on single channels on saxophones to tackle the extra volume coming through the bell when the right hand pads are down. I've also used it on bass vocalists to add some clarity to their overtones and some 'air'. I also use it on the master fader - full mix - after EQ and before limiting to 'tighten' up the whole thing.

Yes, you will learn what you'll use a multi-band for. The best think to do is to play with it, see what it can do and what you like.

Basically, you'll place your compressor where you think you need tightening, smoothing or 'de-essing'.

[kornowsd]

I have to say that the Ozone reference is the ABSOLUTE BEST I've seen on this topic, in a long time. I've downloaded and printed about 10 copies of the thing before they figure out that this shouldn't be on the web, print it and make a book out of it... this is really awesome. Thanks for the link.

Darwin

[michaelhoddy]

That Ozone manual really is a great resource. Thanks for the tip, Darren!

[guitarjoe]

Thnaks for the web site