Multi-band compression using
dynamic EQ.
The traditional way to build a multi-band compressor is to
split the signal into the required number of bands (five in this case)
using cross-over filters, then run each band- through a separate
compressor before mixing them back together again. This approach tends
to cause phase problems around the cross-over frequencies, requiring
sophisticated filter designs to minimize these effects.
5ORCERY takes a different approach: the signal is still split
into five separate bands using cross-over filters, and these feed the
side-chains of five separate compressors. But the filtered signals are
not mixed back together again: instead the gain modulation signals from
all five compressors are matrixed into modulation signals for 4 dynamic
shelving filters plus a gain stage.
To put it another way: while this plug-in behaves like a
multi-band compressor, and allows you to solve many of the same
problems, it is in actual fact a constantly changing 4-band equaliser,
and when it isn't doing anything, it really isn't doing anything!
I have therefore dubbed this approach meta-multiband
compression: all the benefits of a multi-band with none of the usual
side effects. Use it wherever you like, on channels, sub-groups or
mixes.
