precision multiband compressor

[macmusic78]

I´m just demoing the precision multiband compressor...
and i really like the sound - but find it quite complex.
As anyone ever written an online totoral for it - or multibandcompression in general?
Are there some more presets available?

I am a Producer/songwriter/Artist - no mastering engeneer (and never will be) - and basicaly just want showcase the maximum potential of any track i produce for the label...

thanks.

 

[JuergenW]

Multiband is \"the curse and the desease\". Anyone using it needs to
know what he/she wants to archive with it; IMO like with any tool, but
this tool needs a license because you can squash your dynamics and
the same time destroy your frequency balance. It´s a combination
of compression and EQ and has to be used like this - maybe the
most powerful tool to fix and improve tracks, but meanwhile anyone
is aware to use it only if necessary. (we´re lucky!)

Basicaly you use it like a compressor in a specific frequency area.
If you are familar with compressors and the terms and application of Attack,
Release, Threshold and Ratio you can easily adapt it to
Multiband. If not, first invest time to get experience in basic compression techniques.

You´ll find a lot of information at Bob Katz´s http://www.digido.com -
also an article about multiband-compression (he did for TC in the
late 90ies). http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/katz_ ... tering.pdf

Anyway and in any case just thrust your ears

 

[macmusic78]

i just bougth bob katz book - also i don´t inted to become a mastering engeneer - looks very interesting... but still i wish for an easy (automatic) mode on the multiband - for quick demo mastering - fast results for dummies

 

[JuergenW]

:arrow: The book is great, even for artists in music genre!

Personaly I don´t use Multiband-Compression as default.
Only if it´s necessary - but you asked for it; so try this to get
an idea for some MB-glue in your mix:

Take the \"2-bus squish\" preset..

- Backup the Input Level to 0.0 dB (it´s +2 dB by default).

- Play the song at the loudest position (chorus?).

- Adjust thresholds (press ALL-button) same time, so that the
PM will reduce 2-4 dB in the bands. That way you don´t loose too
much the inner balance in your mix, but tighten it up a little.

This preset has the fastest attack and release times and a low ratio.

- Now use the MIX-knob, and set it to 0%. That´s like a bypass.
Listen to your music for some seconds. Watch for impact and
dynamic. Start to turn the MIX-knob clockwise until you think
it sounds dense enough. Watch the OUT-meters and adjust to
-1/-0.5 dB (use Limiter after PM to get up to -0.3dBFS - it´s safer).

- Compare with bypass :!:

- Adjust MIX-knob in that area a little up and down and judge
what´s best. Watch OUT-meter.


NOTE:
If you loose too much punch in the bass/bassdrum, set for the lowest
band a longer attack time (anywhere from 20-70 ms - depends on the
kick and speed of the music), a higher ratio (1:2 to 1:3) and lower
it´s threshold (mind to switch the ALL button off) until it´s GainReduction
is also around 3-4 dB. You also have to lower the Output-gain of the
Low Band, because it´ll not be tamed like the other bands and will
shot out (maybe 1-2 dB due to longer attacks, use ears and bypass!).
Always judge by EAR! and be aware of loosing too much dynamics and balance! :!:

THOSE ARE ONLY POINTS TO START FROM, THAT`S WHY THERE
ARE MASTERING ENGINEERS ON THE PLANET :wink: