MultiBand Compression Tutorial

Multi-band compression is one of the secrets pro-mix engineers use to get tight, punchy mixes. But it can be really challenging to understand. I've put together this article to get you up and running using multi-band compression like a pro!

If you're in a hurry:

✅ This is the best multi-band compressor.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I would receive a commission - at no cost to you - for any products you purchase.

What Is Multiband Compression?

Multiband compression is an advanced compression technique that spits the frequency spectrum into multiple bands, allowing you to dedicate certain compression settings to each frequency band. The great thing about this style of compression is that it provides you with a bit more control.

You can think of a multi-band compressor as an EQ and compression plugin in one.

Why?

Because multi-band compression will end up change the relative volume between your frequency bands, resulting in a change in tone.

How Does a Multiband Compressor Work?

Multiband compressors work by splitting the audio spectrum up into different sections using crossover points, allowing you to compress each section of your signal independently. You can determine the right crossover points based on the material.

In short, the crossover details where each "band" in the multi-"band" compressor is. For example, if you had two bands, could set the crossover point at 100Hz. You would basically now have two compressors within a single plugin. One compressor would compress everything below the crossover point of 100Hz. the other compressor would compress everything above the crossover point of 100Hz.

Each section gets its own compression parameters, including threshold, ratio, attack, release, and more.

You can learn more about the main controls of a compressor in this article on how to use compression.

Multiband Compressor vs. Single band Compressor

New producers and mixing engineers are often overwhelmed by the thought of multiband compression.

I'm here to say don't be! It's actually really straight forward, and pretty chill. If you can compress, then you can multi-band compress.

However, the great thing about multiband compression is that it utilizes the same controls as a standard compressor. The only difference is that you can use separate instances of compression for chosen frequency ranges with the crossover points.

When To Use Multiband Compression?

Multiband compression is a handy tool when you need a bit more flexibility than single-band compression, as it gives you more control when managing the dynamics of your tracks. For example, you may want to compress the lower frequencies on a bass guitar signal harder while leaving the higher frequencies with a bit more breathing room.

Or, you may want to tame the 2-3kHz range in a vocal to get rid of harshness only when it appears without cutting it out completely using an EQ plugin.

Let’s dig in and check out a few different multiband compression settings you can use in your mixes.

Multi-band compression pro tip: you do not need to use compression on every band in the multi-band compressor! In fact, I typically use only one band in the multiband compressor. Essentially, I use it to compress a really problematic frequency. Then I'll use a regular compressor on the whole frequency range.

Multiband Compression Settings for Drums

When applying multiband compression to the drum bus, I usually like to start by compressing the low-end to get my kick under control. Then, once the kick is locked in, I’ll move to the midrange frequencies and dial in a slow attack and fast release to allow the snare to punch through.

You can learn more drum compression tricks here.

Multiband Compression Settings for Bass

When using multiband compression on bass, I’ll usually take the lowest band and lock in everything below 150-170Hz with heavy compression to make sure the low-end is consistent. Depending on the timbre of the bass, I’ll sometimes use a band from 1-3kHz to tame unwanted finger noise when it appears.

But often, the low end is the only band I'll touch.

Then I'll add a regular compressor behind the bass for overall control.

Read this article for more tips on how to compress bass.

Mastering Multiband Compression Settings

Mastering with multiband compression requires subtlety.

I usually like to apply light compression from around 500Hz to 2kHz, as this is where most of your frequency information will lie. I like to use a slow attack time and a fast release time with around 1-3dB of compression to tighten up my midrange and add some beef.

Usually the high end won't need any multiband compression. Some times the sub frequency may need some added control as well.

Multiband Compression Vocals Settings

Multiband compression can be great for shaping and taming vocals as singers move through different ranges. For example, you might have a male vocalist that sounds harsh once they get into their belting chest voice or a female vocalist that sounds muddy once they get into their lower range.

You can tame these frequencies only when they become overwhelming using multiband compression. Here are my favorite 10 tips for vocal compression.

Best Multiband Compressor - FabFilter Pro-MB

FabFilter Pro-MB is a six-band multiband compressor plugin that gives you all the functionality of a modern compressor and all of the bells and whistles you could need. The interactive display provides real-time visual feedback, and the powerful Dynamic Phase mode delivers no-latency compression that sounds crisp and clear.

You’ll find a global wet/dry mix, precise metering, several different compression modes, and mid-side processing. The bands are easily adjustable, especially compared to many multiband crossovers that only have crossover bands that are locked in place.

Even beyond standard compression, you can use the FabFilter Pro-MB's highly transparent bands for gating and hard limiting.

Best Free Multiband Compressor - OTT

OTT has become somewhat of a staple plugin in the EDM world, as it’s one of the best multiband compressors for achieving extreme effects when pushed to its limits. This explosive compression plugin uses a three-band upward/downward compression design with a simple interface and two knobs for control.

The easy slide interface determines the amount of compression applied to each band, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of compression in a matter of seconds.

In our eyes, it’s one of the best multiband compressors for squeezing a little bit more volume out of a track. But it can also ruin your mix in a second. It is a really dangerous plugin for beginners to use because it ends up making things sound louder and more hyped - which is good in moderation. But your mix will collapse in an instant if you overuse it.

Learn more about Mixing with Compression

This is only one part of mixing with compression! Luckily, I've put together a bunch more articles to help you master this crucial mixing skill!

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