Multiband Compression Basics

Multiband Compression Basics

Multiband Compression Basics

by Ian Stewart, iZotope Contributor September 16, 2021

There are no two ways about it: without some good guidance, multiband compression is tricky! As a young, intrepid engineer, I remember asking one of the senior engineers at a studio I was interning at, “Do you have any tips on how to use multiband compression effectively?” He replied, “Oh, I don’t really get into that. Maybe ask Will.” I asked Will—one of the other engineers. Will responded, “Oh, yeah, it’s pretty complex. I use it for mastering sometimes, but I wouldn’t really worry about it if I were you.”

What Is Sidechain Compression? And How To Use It

What Is Sidechain Compression? And How To Use It

by Nick Messitte, iZotope Contributor August 20, 2021

In mixing, you may have come across a form of compression called “sidechain compression” and had no idea what it meant. What is it and why is it useful? In this piece, we’re going to define sidechain compression for you in simple terms. We’ll show you some common uses, and point you to some examples of sidechain compression in the wild, so you can train your ears to recognize sidechain compression in action.

This discussion points out the detection circuits for the compressor in Neutron. Recently posted about the detection circuit in Ozone 9 as well.

Good things to know.

Mastering Music: 10 Hidden Features in Ozone Pro

Mastering Music: 10 Hidden Features in Ozone Pro

by Geoff Manchester, iZotope Content Team September 8, 2021

iZotope Ozone Pro is one of the most popular and powerful mastering plug-ins in the world. It’s been around for almost 20 years, but whether you’re new to it or even a longtime power-user, there are features in the tool that you probably don’t even know about.

The detection filter is important to know about.

Dynamics — Ozone 9 Help Documentation

The Dynamics module can be used to shape the dynamics of your master, with up to four bands of analog-modeled compression, limiting, and expansion.

Detection Filter

Enable this view to adjust the frequency response of the detection circuit. When the Detection Filter is active, you can access the controls outlined in the table and image below. Detection filter processing is included in the Dynamics module and Vintage Compressor module

11 Creative Sidechain Compression Techniques

11 Creative Sidechain Compression Techniques

My friend and fellow contributor Phillip Nichols has already covered some common applications for sidechain compression. In this article, we’re going to explore some esoteric, creative, and all-around fun uses for the practice. Many of these tactics will involve the use of a dummy track, so let’s define that term quickly:

Nick Messitte wrote this for iZotope in 2018.

Are We Being Conned By Mixing Tricks? We Look At The Most Popular Ones | Production Expert

Are We Being Conned By Mixing Tricks? We Look At The Most Popular Ones | Production Expert

Some people refer to “mixing tricks” but are they really tricks? When is a technique just a technique? Julian looks at some common examples and decides.

I put an EQ as the first insert on my reverb AUX channels. When I insert reverbs I try to make sure that I adjust the filters that are built in to most of my reverbs. I think it’s better to be able to “see” the filter on the AUX channels.