Multiband Compression vs Dynamic EQ

Multiband compression works by compressing the peaks within different frequency ranges, which helps manage the overall dynamic range of the audio.

Dynamic EQ allows you to adjust the level of specific frequency ranges, such as boosting or cutting frequencies between 2kHz and 5kHz.

Dynamic EQ is ideal for addressing particular frequency issues, whereas multiband compression is more effective for controlling the overall dynamic range and achieving a balanced, tonal quality in a mix.

#equaliser #compression #plugin #mixingandmastering

[LBJedi]

Wow! I can’t believe I never realized this!

[tommysuditomo]

Thanks, Joe! The Back to Basic series are really needed to remind me after along time and a lot of plugins are distract me from the importance of being simple and limit are GOLD! I wish I have the Neve Channel Strip, SSL stereo image, and those effects you use.. 😁👍🏼

[FC-xczy]

Thanks. Excellent reminder. Learned a ton from this man.

[andrewrice]

Just depends on the attack and release curves in each case. Turning a frequency up and down really quickly against a threshold compresses that frequency. Probably more accurate is that since a dynamic EQ is usually affecting a smaller range, it will overall be more transparent.

[tennactennacerobert]

Hey, I’m self taught mix engineer. My understanding has always been dynamic eq is volume ducking and sidechain compression is control. Example: in a mix if I have frequencies clashing I would use static eq to unmask frequencies. If it mix still has some bumps I would then use dynamic eq. I feel as if it’s more natural. I use muti band compressor to control single elements. I almost never use it to sidechain vocals ect. But I’m just a self taught engineer, I don’t know much to be honest. I mix till it sounds good, mixing these pass few years taught me eq, basic compression and volume could take you a long way. Great video. I’m acknowledging everything you’re saying. thanks!!!

[jamzdrumz]

A dynamic EQ can compress the sound, but it does so in a more targeted and frequency-specific way compared to a traditional compressor.

How Dynamic EQ Compresses Sound:
Frequency-Specific Compression: A dynamic EQ applies compression (or expansion) only to specific frequencies that you select. When the signal at a certain frequency range exceeds a set threshold, the dynamic EQ reduces (compresses) the gain of that frequency. This compression is dynamic, meaning it only occurs when the signal meets the threshold condition.
Selective Compression: Unlike a full-range compressor, which affects the entire signal, a dynamic EQ compresses only the selected frequency band. This allows for very precise control, such as reducing harshness or sibilance in a vocal track without affecting the rest of the audio.
Non-Linear Compression: Since a dynamic EQ applies compression only when certain frequencies are prominent, it results in non-linear processing, which is why it's often used for corrective purposes. For instance, if a vocal track has occasional harshness at around 4 kHz, a dynamic EQ can be set to reduce the gain at 4 kHz only when the harshness occurs.

[robshrock-shirakbari]

They are the same thing. It usually just comes down to the controls you get. Do you get attack/release times? Is there an EQ band shape (Q) or just straight crossovers? Etc.

For instance, if you target 2k to be turned down when it gets too loud... it can be done with a multi band compressor when it crosses the threshold or in a dynamic EQ when it gets too loud. LOL

It's the same thing. BTW, both can be downward and upward... depending on the plug-ins capabilities.

[soundmattersuk]

Thanks, didn't actually know this, and I've been to school and everything.

[AJNAL]

Nice. Well said. I need to remember this. 😅

[MonkeyBars]

This was an unclear expanation, Streaky. The reason is because compression is actually just "turning down" volume above the threshold – speaking of dynamic range when discussing in-the-moment function is irrelevant because it's so time-dependent. (A compressor won't reduce dynamic range at all if the signal never exceeds the threshold, etc.)

The real sound differences are:
1. A dynamic EQ can cut or boost, while compression only cuts (although most multiband "compressors" can also be set to expand, i.e. boost).
2. A multiband compressor cuts across a given band as evenly as it can (given the crossovers), while a dynamic EQ cuts/boosts different frequencies based on the EQ node shape

Then of course there are the UI differences. Can anyone think of another sound difference?

[nkwln]

Wouldn't the bigger difference be that dynamic EQ can have different Q's and bell curves whereas multiband just has different crossover points? Some dynamic EQ's have the exact same dynamic controls as compression

[Barnet]

Completely wrong. They are the same just MB dynamics is less frequency specific and you have control on the attack and release

[citadeloricks]

Does not make sense. In dynamic EQ if you "move the sound down" you decrease dynamic range. They are the same thing. More important is the EQ min phase, linear or combo, same for the MB compressor.

[phadrus]

What!? That made absolutely no sense to me 😅 If anyone can explain the explanation to me I'd appreciate it.

[Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

I respectfully disagree.
I would challenge you to demonstrate this.
You can’t because:
Spoiler alert; Compressors don’t actually compress dynamic range at any moment in time.
A common misconception even among seasoned professionals.
A😅 full band compressor at 10db gain reduction turns everything down 10 db. (Trigger it with a sidechain sine wave.) It only compresses dynamic range between different slices of time.
A compressor is simply an automatic volume knob with behavior control.
Multiband is the same thing for a specific frequency range. As is Dynamic EQ.
You’re smart enough to test this theory with a full band compressor, with 30 db gain reduction and a super slow release time.

[barrygeary]

But muliband compressior is used in broadcast because it keeps the levels consistent

[omidfouladi-ex]

Which is more better for bass kick musking frequency??

[maxboostandthepowerups]

If you just turn the sound down, isn’t that just regular EQ?

[aonain]

⁠multiband cmprs has adsr ish features + lookahead which controls and also manipulates the sound/timbre, whereas a dynamic eq works in real time and can’t manipulate/change the sound/timbre so to say?

[henri-fillipbauer]

This shotgun mic sounds horrible I have the same one