Multipressor in MainStage
Multipressor (an abbreviation for multiband compressor) is a versatile audio mastering tool. It splits the incoming signal into different frequency bands—up to four—and enables independent compression of each band. After compression is applied, the bands are combined into a single output signal.
The advantage of compressing different frequency bands separately is that it allows more compression to be applied to bands that need it, without affecting other bands. This avoids the “pumping” effect often associated with high amounts of compression.
Because the use of higher compression ratios on specific frequency bands is possible, Multipressor can achieve a higher average volume without causing audible artifacts.
Raising the overall volume level can result in a corresponding increase in the existing noise floor. Each frequency band features downward expansion, which lets you reduce or suppress this noise.
Downward expansion works as a counterpart to compression. Whereas a compressor compresses the dynamic range of higher volume levels, the downward expander expands the dynamic range of the lower volume levels. With downward expansion, the signal is reduced in level when it falls below the threshold level. This works in a similar way to a noise gate, but rather than abruptly cutting off the sound, it smoothly fades the volume with an adjustable ratio.
See the Multipressor Display, Frequency Band, and Output parameter sections, and use tips.
To add Multipressor to your concert, choose Dynamics > Multipressor in a channel strip Audio Effect plug-in menu. See Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.