Multi Band Compressors

[fai31188]

What do you use them for.

I've found that a MB Compressor on the master fader helps to greatly manage the various frequency ranges. I've used Ozone 3's compressor, and love the way it controls the bands. I find it to be much more intuitive than EQ and actually perhaps more precise for the material I record which is mostly instrumental fusion. In other words, I go to the compressor before the EQ to set the level of the different bands. Am I alone, or does this make sense?

What other uses do you put these multi band compressors to???

aL

[WKWizard]

I use a Waves C4 on the master buss and sometimes on the overheads and/or room mics if I'm using large diaphram condensers. Once in awhile I'll use one on bass guitar depending on the mic/setup.

I've noticed that I'm reaching for the PSP Vintage Warmer a little more and the C4 a little less these days.

[chrispick]

WaveArts has their MultiDynamic plug which is less CPU-intensive than Ozone3. You might find it useful, if you're a fan of multiband comps.

I use the Ozone3 multiband comps when mastering my tracks, but in subtler degrees the more I work with it.

I think the conventional wisdom is to use EQ to adjust individual tracks -- and typically that's what I do, using MWEQ, usually with wide Qs -- but I do use comps to add color and harmonics to give them some texture and punch. Usually, I use PSP VintageWarmer (often as an aux bus) and PSP MixPack (as inserts) for this.