What is a Multiband Compressor?

Also known as MB or MBC.are recombined at the output.
These divide the incoming audio signal into multipleThe main advantage of multi-band compression is that
bands, with each band being compresseda loud event in one frequency band won't trigger gain
independently from the other.reduction in the other bands.
The beauty of this is that with full band compressors,Another feature of the multiband compressor is that
that we have been discussing till now, the whole signalyou are offered crossover points. This is crucial, as
is treated, so when a peak is detected, the wholeyou are given control over where to place the
signal is compressed and so other frequencies arefrequency band. Setting these crossover points is the
also subject to compression.heart of the compressor and crucial in processing the
Multiband compression only compresses theright frequency spectrum with the right settings.
frequency bands chosen, so a more fluid and lessFor example: if you are treating the vocals in the mid
abrupt result is gained. Instead of having one peakrange but put your low end crossover too far into the
trigger the compressor into compressing the entiremiddle range, then the low end compression settings
signal, the multiband allows for individual bands to bewill also affect the mid range vocals.
compressed.Multiband  compression can either be a friend or
On some compressors, you even have the option ofenemy. It all comes down to how you use it and when.
selecting bands that will not undergo any treatment.It can be a great compressor for controlling
In essence, a multi-band compressor comprises a setproblematic frequencies, or for boosting certain ranges
of filters that splits the audio signal into two or morein isolation to others.
frequency bands.Use with care!
After passing through the filters, each frequency bandExcerpt taken from Mixing Simplified.
is fed into its own compressor, after which the signals