Multiband Compression Explained

Multiband compression is a type of audio compression that divides the signal into multiple frequency bands (similar to dynamic EQ) and then applies compression independently to each band.

The difference between traditional compression and multiband compression is that traditional compression applies a single threshold and ratio to the entire signal, while multiband compression applies different threshold and ratios to each individual frequency band.

This allows for more precise control over the sound, as each band can be compressed according to its own needs. Multiband compression is often used in mastering, as it can help to even out the levels of different frequencies and make the overall mix sound more polished.

To achieve multiband compression, a few different things need to be set up. First, a crossover filter is used to split the signal into different frequency bands. Then, each band is sent to its own compressor. The threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain settings for each compressor will need to be adjusted according to the sound you are going for. Finally, the output of each compressor is combined back together into a single signal.

Multiband compression can be very helpful in getting your audio tracks to sound their best. By precisely controlling the levels of different frequencies, you can avoid clipping and other unwanted distortion. Multiband compression can also make your tracks sound louder and more powerful by increasing the overall level of the signal.