Re: Re: multiband compression - vst

[rs@moinlabs.de]

"if used correctly as a dynamic eq, the benefits of using a multiband comp 
are great, especially for electroacoustic, live electronics etc music." 

Multiband compressors have the habit of affecting a signal in ways that 
are very unnatural (meaning: do not have anything to do with the way 
things sounds or how we hear them). In addition to non-harmonic distortion 
present in every kind of dynamic processor, multiband compression induces 
odd phase shifts which in turn  and among other things affect localization 
in ways strongly dependant on the listening environment (and for that 
reason a mastering engineer's worst nightmare).

There has been that tendency in contemporary amateur signal editing to 
always use multiband compression, especially on the vulnerable 2bus, in 
cases where the wanted effect could be much better achieved by proper use 
of EQ and fullrange compression, both on the 2bus and, more importantly, 
on individual tracks, without the unwanted side effects and, what's more, 
a much more intuitive relationship between device parameters and result.

Yes, there are rare cases (mostly poor-quality two-track recordings of 
electroacoustic live sources) where a multiband compressor can help a lot, 
simply because its negative side effects are acceptable compared to the 
result if you didn't use it. See it as the chemotherapy of audio 
processing. Fortunately, these cases are rare.

"also using a tube mastering eq helps alot too."

Which kind of EQ, and which kind of converters before and after it are you 
using?

              Rainer