multi-band compressor vs equalizer

[The Miles Park]

if you have a multi-band compressor, would you want to replace your equalizer with it? Wherever you would normally put your eq in the plug-in chain you put a multi-band instead. I am asking this because a multi-band is basically an eq except it has the ability to compress and equalize at the same time. Or is there a reason to use both at the same time?

[Weasel9992]

First, an MBC is **NOT** an EQ in any shape, way or form. I know what you're saying...that it can, in some cases do a job that sounds like the same job an EQ does, but it absolutely does not replace an EQ.

For example, one of the (few) uses for a multiband compressor would be accross the 2-buss in a live application, where you want to apply some more aggressive compression to the mix, but you need it to be more transparent with less pump. Because there would be many more low end and high end transients for a standard compressor to react to, you'd get pumping...a multiband allows you to curve that application some, effectively evening out the total reaction. In other words, the whole mix is compressed, not just part of it.

An EQ, on the other hand would be used on the 2-buss to sweeten, soften or wake up a mix...among other uses.

Now, do you get some overlap in these functions in practice? Sure. I've had bands that needed a hard compression push on the main outs, then I had to do some EQ work to even things up a bit. On the other hand, using a GOOD standard compressor on the main outs, shaving off just a couple dB@1:1-2:1 can have the effect of audibly leveling a mix.

I could write a book here, but I'll end with this: they're two different tools for two different jobs that are sometimes done together. You need to know when you need one or the other. I hope that makes sense.

Weez

[MASSIVE Mastering]

Generally speaking, MBC is used when something went very wrong before... I get a bit of flak for saying that, but when you think about it, you certainly wouldn't ever put one on something that sounds decent in the first place - It'd be like having a mild headache and asking for a lobotomy instead of a couple aspirin.

A maul-the-band - Um, I mean "multi-band" compressor is rarely used on something that already sounds good. I used one last week as a frequency-conscious expander, but can't recall the last time I used on as it was designed to be used.

Although it certainly can change the spectral curve on something, it's definitely *not* a substitute for good EQ'ing practices.

[Tweak]

It'd be like having a mild headache and asking for a lobotomy instead of a couple aspirin.

Classic

I may have to steal that one.

[Weasel9992]

I totally agree with John from a recording standpoint, but MBC's are used in a live application pretty frequently...typically not in a corrective sense though...as an effect in a way, and pretty gently at that.

Weez

[Jude]

i'll occasionally use a MBC live, but only ever on a group, never a whole mix. they can work a treat o help get that "in your face" drum sound that australian rock n' roll is well known for.

i never use MBC on a stereo mix be it in the studio, playing live on stage (i play live DnB) or mixing FOH. that said, next time i use the digidesign VENUE i might give it shot

[Weasel9992]

Jude...I haven't used the Venue live, but I've sat through all the requisite demo's...I'm pretty sure it's got some preset MBC mix curves. Not that you need them, but it's a good place to start.

Yeah, that huge live kick drum is another very common application for an MBC.

Weez

[Ben_D618]

the MBC can be a pretty good mastering tool as well, if the engineer gives you a mix thats all over the place, with uneven bass and high end tha varies over a song. But as weasel said, it needs to be used very gently or you end up with a flat piece of music with not only no dynamic range, but no 'colour' to the frequency, and a whole pile of mid-range