Multi-Band compression: Friend or Foe?

[cut_N_paste]

Hearing a bit of bad press recently about software Multi-Band Compression being actually 'not that good' for mastering final mixes.

As a creative plug in can have it's negative features flipped round into a positive usage arena, anyone any thoughts, feedback or experiences with MBC?

Is there any one in particular better (or more useful) than the rest?

[Raamizdv]

In my experience a combination of software is usually the best option. Ozone 3, PSP Vintagewarmer and T-racks are my favorites, but moderation is the most important factor. And it'tt never sound as good as a £3k compressor. Once you get over that you should be fine.......

[JAYDMF]

Yeah i dont think its just multibands, software compressors are great but theyre just way way way too clinical sometimes, i much prefer to hear a mix that might not be the cleanest sounding in the world but has some sort of character added by the compressors used just seems more natural and warm even if it isnt like a £3k compressor it can still have a more musical edge to it which is IMO what is needed

[Raamizdv]

That's true but there is no point in using a single band tl audio compresser for £500 pounds, the software would probably be a better option.........

[JAYDMF]

Originally Posted by Raamizdv

That's true but there is no point in using a single band tl audio compresser for £500 pounds, the software would probably be a better option.........

Depends man a single band used wisely is going to sound better than a multiband used badly. And the problem with multibands is that you get into the same territory as EQ with slight delays due to the way the bands are split and processed, again something that if you choose to send to say a mastering house or the like is going to potentially cause problems.

Software multiband is great if you have a TC Powercore or a UAD1 or something but if its native its not going to have the processing resolution and thats always going to be a pain.

[Robcore!]

Originally Posted by JAYDMF

Depends man a single band used wisely is going to sound better than a multiband used badly. And the problem with multibands is that you get into the same territory as EQ with slight delays due to the way the bands are split and processed, again something that if you choose to send to say a mastering house or the like is going to potentially cause problems.

Software multiband is great if you have a TC Powercore or a UAD1 or something but if its native its not going to have the processing resolution and thats always going to be a pain.

Absolutely...multiband can be useful in the right place, especially on drum tracks, great for adding some extra punch. Software is rarely a better option for compressors...it's cheaper, it just doesn't sound as good, and if you want pro results you're better off getting some proper to master your work rather than running it through a software multiband yourself.

[BSMo]

The requirement of multi-band compression at the mastering stage (to me) would suggest there's something wrong in the mix. I wouldn't even use multi-band compression during mix down, really, it seems like lazy, poor quality mixing to me.

[cut_N_paste]

Guys, that's some informative and valuable feedback. It's appreciated, thanks!

[Robcore!]

Originally Posted by BSMo

The requirement of multi-band compression at the mastering stage (to me) would suggest there's something wrong in the mix. I wouldn't even use multi-band compression during mix down, really, it seems like lazy, poor quality mixing to me.

Precisely - the perfect mix needs no mastering, but there's no way you're going to get a perfect mixdown every time.

Mastering isn't a magic ingredient, it's a solution to a problem. The less needed, the better.

[BSMo]

Originally Posted by Robcore!

Mastering isn't a magic ingredient, it's a solution to a problem.

I would strongly disagree with that statement, mastering shouldn't actually 'fix' any problems, mastering is really about preparing your track(s) for duplication; essentially normalising and not much more.

[StratmanNick]

Originally Posted by BSMo

I would strongly disagree with that statement, mastering shouldn't actually 'fix' any problems, mastering is really about preparing your track(s) for duplication; essentially normalising and not much more.

We're all allowed our opinions, your views BSMo are normally spot on, however I really think your comment is slightly off the mark. In a perfect world I agree but this aint no perfct world and I've found that many recording studios/home studios have odd monitor foilbles that only show up when ending up in a mastering room, thus adjustments are required if a satisfactory end result is required. Also clients sometimes discover mix problems after the event, ie lack of low end etc. which can also be fixed.

Said my bit.....now I'll shut up!!!

[daznich]

Originally Posted by JAYDMF

Software multiband is great if you have a TC Powercore or a UAD1 or something but if its native its not going to have the processing resolution and thats always going to be a pain.

Can you explain this one a little further? I've used a few software multiband compressors both DSP and native and both work effectively for me.

[JAYDMF]

Originally Posted by daznich

Can you explain this one a little further? I've used a few software multiband compressors both DSP and native and both work effectively for me.

Well generally cubase, neundo and all that lot are only 32bit processors(although they are float point, but thats another subject in itself) where as something like the TC or UAD is going to be able to process to like 72 bits or whatever the specific piece of gear states it can do. this isnt just relative to multiband comps its relative to all plugins and effects(especially verbs). Although you may think that 72 bits is extreme the amount of quantization distortion your going to add to the system using far less bit rates may not be something the ear can pick up when you use just one plugin/effect but when you add that together throughout the whole process of making a track then it starts to mount up.

Mastering is about creating a perfect copy of the original and is usually the place where your going to use a multiband comp and by this stage theres already going to be significant quantization errors from all the plugins and processing/mixing thats already been applied. In much the same way as with tape when mastering your going to use the best convertors possible to maintain all the clarity thats present and make the best respresentation of whats been created by using a native plugin for the multiband your effectively doing the same as using lower grade convertors as your just adding more quantization errors to the chain. Using something like M3 (i think thats one of the TC mastering plugins) your going to add far less quantization errors due the fact that its a far more accurate plugin due to the 72 bit (or whatever) proccessing thats being carried out.

This difference in bit rates is why a lot of people prefer Protools as they say it sounds cleaner which is true because it uses a 48 bit fixed point mix engine even if you capturing in 16bit. The whole 16 bits is just moved around accross the available 48 bits, whereas cubase is only going to work in that operation when you tell it too.

I dont have any links but theres loads of articles about on how different bit rates will change how a processor or mix engine works and its actually quite interesting to see the differences.

[waxxy]

some people think they need to use multiband compressors and think they must be better because theres more than one compressor working at the sametime.which too be honest in the right hands off an award winning producer or sound enginner is true.but too us mere mortals without superhuman dog heariong if you use one it can mess up your mixes bigtime and youll waste countless hours trying to hunt down rouge frequencys.

people also expect that if they pay lots of money for one it will make there music sound better thats wrong a compressor isnt magic it cant turn a bad mix into a superb mix..all a compressor can do is turn a good mix into a great mix .you need a good mix for any compressor too be of any help once you start mastering.

also some software contain good multiband compressors already built in before you pay top money for a multi band try it out on in your daw.

[Chas@Source]

Multibands can be a lifesaver if for example you have a great mix except the bass which is a little limp: you can energise the LF content without affecting anything else, with no pumping etc to worry about.... or indeed use it in effect as a very versatile de-esser multi-band, taming a sibilant vocal in one band and a pushy snare in another, again all without upsetting other parts of the spectrum that you've already tweaked...