Using multiband compressors

To find a nice balance between loudness levels and frequency levels, we use compressors, limiters, and expanders to adjust dynamics. Basic compressors work by reducing the dynamic range. We discussed compressors in Chapter 6, Compression, Sidechaining, Limiting, and Equalization. Refer to that chapter if you need a refresher on how compressors work. When mastering, we use an advanced form of compressor called a multiband compressor. By the end of this section, you’ll understand the general principles for how to apply compression with any multiband compressor plugin.

Let’s discuss the theory behind using a multiband compressor and then show an example using FL Studio’s Maximus plugin. Multiband compressors allow you to isolate frequency ranges and apply compression to each region. This way, you can bring up or down the level of the low, mid, or high frequencies separately. For example, say your low-frequency sounds needed compression...