Multi-band processing

Multi-band processing has revolutionised mastering techniques and defined the sound of modern radio and pop music. Mark Cousins explains why three bands are better than one.

It’s hard to imagine a time before multi-band processing – now the most accepted way of transforming a rough-and-ready recording into something far closer to what you might hear on the radio, TV or CD. Once the preserve of expensive broadcast transmission devices and high-end mastering facilities, the technology and process has filtered down to every level of music production. Like reverb, multi-band processing is easy to overuse when you first get your hands on it, but getting the best from multi-band processing requires an understanding of the way in which it fits into the production signal chain.

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 24
Filed under Ten Minute Masters

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