Recommend me a good multiband compressor

[JerGoertz]

TDR Nova is the one! Yes, it's actually a dynamic equalizer by definition, but it does what a multiband compressor does.

Interesting, could you elaborate? The price is certainly right...

[dwozzle]

A multiband compressor divides the audio into some number of streams at a set of cross-over frequencies, applies dynamic processing to each of them separately, then mixes them back together again. A dynamic EQ is like a parametric EQ, but with level-based control over each EQ band.

So for example, a multi-band compressor could theoretically hold the level of the signal between 50 and 100 Hz more or less constant, while a dynamic EQ could apply a 3 db boost between 50 and 100 Hz as long as the signal in that band was below a certain threshold.

In general, a dynamic EQ will have fewer artifacts, phase and otherwise, because the signal doesn't get processed, only the band(s) you're EQing.

Nova is an excellent dynamic EQ, with a free version and a paid Gentleman's Edition with more features. TB FIX is another good one, paid but inexpensive. Melda MDynamicEq is another excellent commercial example.

[Mutant]

I've settled on Reaxcomp after trying many. For what a multiband comp is generally used for (apart from correctional duties) - which is mainly going to be subtle enhancements - it does the job just fine.

+1 for the great set of freebie plugins.
And a link for lazy ones:
http://www.reaper.fm/reaplugs/

[sinkmusic]

It's out of your budget, but BlueCat MB-5 is very good.
http://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Pr ... B5Dynamix/
You can link the bands to edit them at once (which is very handy and allows for a great workflow), it also features various compression behaviours (stereo, m/s, etc), the analyzer is good, and you can trig (side-chain) one channel with another...

But you might try BlueCat MB-7, which allows you to use any other plugin in a multiband fashion : so you use your fullband compressor of choice, and split it into several band (also, it will allows you to change the stereowidth, etc).
http://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_MB7Mixer/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjLAF5Y-jOg
It's in your price range, and can be used with any other plugin

[sinkmusic]

Oh, and for free this one can be quite interesting (and different from ReaXcomp) :
http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=548
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXECmhuD6ko

[JerGoertz]

Good recommendations, I've got a lot to play with now.

Cheers y'all!

[Naenyn]

Let us know what you decide on!

Out of curiosity, why do you feel you need a multiband compressor? It was my understanding that they're used primarily for mastering. Is that what you'll be using it for? Or do you have other reasons? I'm just wondering if I'm missing something by not using one myself. =]

[dwozzle]

Just for perspective, you could ask the opposite question about non-dynamic EQ too -- why do you want to cut that frequency all the time, instead of only when there's an overbearing resonance?

[do_androids_dream]

Hey y'all,

I'd like to add a multiband compressor to my arsenal, but don't know which would be a good fit.

First off, I'm a bona fide "vintage fetishist" , but I'm not even sure multiband comp's existed before the digital age, so there may be no hardware to be modeled here. If there is though, this is something I'd give consideration to. Otherwise I'd like one that's moderately priced (definitely less that $100) and has at least 3 bands.

I also noticed that JRRShop has Metric Halo's multiband at $69, is this a good one for the price?

(Oh, no Waves, and iLok is okay.)

in this case just buy blue cat mb-7 and choose 1 to 7 bands and ANY compressor you like on any band!

Perfect solution no?

In Reaper there are JS plugins (JS splitter and joiner) that allow you to split any track into a multiband scenario and place any plugins you want on any band.

[xx JPRacer xx]

Melda's MAutoDynamicEQ is 50% off ($52) for a couple of hours still. The best dynamic EQ you can get. (Though I didn't try TDR's Nova yet, but I doubt it is as features rich as the Melda one).

https://www.meldaproduction.com/plugins ... oDynamicEq

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/ ... q-8-601795 (good videos there)