#multiband dynamics

I’ve written about the perks of putting side-chain compression on only the low frequencies of a bass earlier.

To do so, three copies of the sound are needed. Or, as this post will show, you could split the frequency into three bands (high, mid and low). By doing this, it is possible to apply different signal processing on each band.

Now I usually try to write about music production on a more abstract level, and not about a specific DAW or instrument, but this time I going to illustrate with Ableton Live on Mac. The theory is the same though, you just need to figure out how it works in your particular environment.

So I’m using the stock effect Multiband Dynamics to split frequency. The device has noticeable affect and coloration on the signal, even when the intensity amount if set to zero, but it should be transparent enough for now.

Drop a Multiband Dynamics in the Device View.

Set the Amount control to 0.0 % to neutralize compression or gain adjustments to the signal.

Group the Multiband Dynamics in an Audio Effect Rack (select the device and press CMD + G).

Show the Chain List of the rack.

Dictate the crossover points on High and Low (the Mid consists of what is left in between, so remember to also change the crossover points in the mid chain if you make adjustments on the others), e.g. set the bottom of the frequency range of the high band to 1.00 kHz.

Duplicate the selected chain two times.

Rename all of the chains High, Mid and Low, from top to bottom.

Solo each band respectively on the Split Freq, i.e. solo Low on the low chain.