What is a Multiband Compressor?

A multiband compressor is an audio processing plugin that splits an audio signal into multiple frequency ranges and applies compression separately to each band. This allows producers and engineers to control the dynamics of specific parts of the frequency spectrum rather than compressing the entire signal at once.

A typical multiband compressor divides the audio into bands such as low, mid, and high frequencies, though many plugins allow more bands and adjustable crossover points. Each band has its own controls for threshold, ratio, attack, and release, enabling precise dynamic control over individual frequency ranges.

Multiband compression is widely used in mixing and mastering to solve specific tonal or dynamic problems. For example, it can control excessive bass energy without affecting the rest of the mix, tame harsh high frequencies, or smooth out midrange elements such as vocals and guitars while leaving other frequencies untouched.