Multiband compression
2001-08-14

- On a four band compressor, where should the "splitting frequencies" be? What elements/frequency ranges should be isolated in the different compressors? 

I use the Finalator plug-in for Cubase on all my final mixes, as well as a little stereo enhancement, loudness maximizing and limiting. I start w/ the Finalator's pre-set and go from there. I'm assuming all four ranges in the pre-set are split as if you had a four band EQ. Or @ least that's how I would set it up. 

- How hard should I compress the bass for a dancefloor stomper? 

I use to always compress my sub bass (40-70 hz) @ around a 2-1 ratio, -10 to -20 threshold, not too sharp of an attack, and a somewhat fast release. Although you can chage the attack and release times for a desired effect. I stopped compressing my bass b/c I was informed by reputable sources that it basically takes all the life out of the bassline's rythym. For example, an 808 BOOM type bass, where the tail end of the hit drops off, is not as effective w/ too much compression b/c it pulls it up. 

- When using the multiband compressor as enhancer by pushing up the highest frequencies, how hard should the compression be? Ratio? Threshold? (Of course, "what sounds good is right", but what could the problems be? What should I look out for?)

Pay attention to your pads and string sections. I find that when you over use four band compression on a final mix, you start by trying to bring out those hats, make the kick drum thump, and the snare crack but in all actuality, you start to morph all your other sounds together. All the small details and clarity in the track become MUSH!!! Go lite.. 

-How many people use it on isolated channels with just a bassline or drums - and do you even use it on isolated sounds like a kick or a snare? 

Always compress your kick. I usually use 2 kicks and 2 snares, and another loop underneath for texture and that par-a-diddle effect. You know..the Jigga-Jigga. One kick should sit @ around 100-150 hz and compress it to get that snappy thump out of it. Experiment w/ the settings till you reach the desired effect. The other kick should pump @ around 60-90 hz for bump baybee!!! Sometimes I compress snares but for the most part, you don't need it. Layering is what really makes snares standout. Make one sit in the hard mid-range section, the other one slightly bright. Put a little reverb on the bright one to give it some space and apply some "air" (16000 khz) to the whole snare combo. I leave the break loop underneath dry..just a little eq to make it fit in the mix. A lite limiting on the whole drum kit can give you some great "breathing" effects. Adjust the attack & release time on the limiter to interact w/ the rythym of your percussion section. If executed properly, the breathing will sound like its swinging w/ the drums...sweet!!!
I'm such a NERD!!!
the JO-S


URL : Jo-s.djcentral.com