Multiband Compressor
A multiband compressor splits audio into multiple frequency bands and applies compression independently to each band. This can help control sibilance or harshness in the high frequencies, add consistency to vocals in the midrange, and control rumble or proximity effect in the low frequencies without affecting the rest of the signal.
Threshold Type
- Absolute
- Uses a fixed dB threshold for each band. Audio in a band is compressed when it exceeds that band's threshold.
- Relative
- Uses a threshold that adapts relative to the signal level. This can be useful when the overall level varies significantly.
Bands
The dialog provides four bands:
- Low (20Hz - 200Hz) - control proximity effect, rumble, and room noise.
- Low-Mid (200Hz - 600Hz) - fundamental voice frequencies and body.
- Mid-High (600Hz - 5kHz) - presence and clarity without harshness.
- High (5kHz+) - air and sibilant control.
Band Controls
Each band has the same three controls:
- Threshold
- The level (in dB) above which compression is applied in that band. Lower (more negative) thresholds compress more of the signal.
- Ratio
- How strongly the signal is reduced once it exceeds the threshold. Higher ratios apply heavier compression.
- Makeup Gain
- Gain (in dB) applied after compression to restore level for that band.