Explore Multiband Compression Benefits

It seems to me that many different compression types are used in music production nowadays. However, I find one of them extremely useful. This is because it allows the audio signal to be processed and controlled in several bands rather than one band, like in traditional compressor units. I am talking about Multiband Compression. This compression type has proven helpful in popular electronic dance music genres like Dubstep, Trance, and D&B. If appropriately used, multiband compression can be used in just about any music genre.  

Multiband Compression 101

To summarize, let's say that a multiband compressor divides the frequency spectrum into different sections or bands so that each has its unique compression settings. This allows a longer attack time for the low band of that bass drum to punch through while keeping the shorter attack time in a higher band to keep the guitar in check.  

What Makes Multiband Compression So Special?

Using a multiband compressor makes it possible to tailor the compression for different elements in a mix closely. You can compress the recording more transparently than a standard single-band compressor. In order to effectively compress the wide range of frequencies contained in a recording, different attack and release times would be required for other parts of the frequency spectrum. Multiband compression makes this possible.  

Choose Your Multiband Compressor Weapon of Choice!

Every once in a while, I stumble upon some exciting plugin unit. One of them is, without a doubt, OTT by Xfer. Indeed, It's a multiband compressor unit with excellent characteristics, and I believe it sounds fantastic. In addition to this, it is accessible to download. The central part of it is the upward compression (the tricky part to reproduce with a typical compressor), which applies its gain (up to 36 dB but not more) to a quiet (below threshold) signal. This brings up soft details (usually high frequencies otherwise unheard) while also providing the typical multiband compression duty of "ironing" (consistent lows/mids/highs).

 

A/B Comparison

In the following tutorial, I will not bother you with minor details. This is because I believe it's essential to experiment and use your ears when using this compressor. Accordingly, I will make an A/B comparison. I advise gently using it on group tracks or the master channel. Furthermore, you can crank it up on individual instruments that need more "in the face "in your mix. Without further delay, here is a hip-hop pattern I made in SoundBridge. It consists of drum elements accompanied by bass and Rhodes piano. Let's first hear the drums group track without and with OTT.

~Drums Group track without OTT

~Drums Group Track with OTT

As you can hear, there is a fair amount of difference between the two sound recordings. The snare drum, percussion, and hi-hats are now more upfront than in the first example. What's more, the reverb is more present and has more detail.

Let's bypass OTT on the drums group channel and place it on the master channel. Let's hear how it sounds without and after with the plugin.

~Master Channel Without OTT

~Master Channel With OTT