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  1. Tech
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14 marvellous multiband processing plugins

News
By Computer Music ( Computer Music ) published 3 April 2017

These advanced devices give you expert control over different frequency bands - and sound great!

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

iZotope Ozone 7

iZotope Ozone 7

Software technology has made multiband effects processing affordable and ubiquitous, enabling the producer on any budget to divide their sounds into separate frequency bands for discrete manipulation of each.

Here are 14 of our favourite multiband processors, starting with iZotope's all-conquering Ozone 7 mastering suite. 

This all-in-one processor is indispensable for both mixing and mastering. The Dynamic EQ module provides frequency-oriented dynamics control, but there are other multiband processors here, too, including the excellent Stereo Imaging module.

FULL REVIEW: iZotope Ozone 7

Page 1 of 14
Page 1 of 14
Universal Audio UAD Precision Multiband

Universal Audio UAD Precision Multiband

UA have every stage of the mastering process covered, from Bob Katz’s Precision K-Stereo processor widening, through to this excellent five-band multiband compressor, which combines flexibility with a warm, open sound. 

READ MORE: UAD Precision Multiband

Page 2 of 14
Page 2 of 14
Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2

Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2

This remarkable and creative splitter/plugin hoster divides the input signal into multiple bands, then provides you with a separate channel strip for each one, complete with insert slots for up to four audio VST/AU plugin! 

FULL REVIEW: Blue Cat Audio MB-7 Mixer 2

Page 3 of 14
Page 3 of 14
Joey Sturgis Tones Transify

Joey Sturgis Tones Transify

Transify take takes transient design further by offering the usual attack and sustain controls across four independent frequency bands, letting you bring extra snap or length to snare sounds, whilst leaving kicks alone, for example.

FULL REVIEW: Joey Sturgis Tones Transify

Page 4 of 14
Page 4 of 14
Softube Transient Shaper

Softube Transient Shaper

This transient design plugin includes a frequency dial for setting the boundary between the Sustain and Punch portions of the signal, with switches for determining which frequencies are processed in each - Hi, Lo or Wide (both). 

Powerful and versatile.

FULL REVIEW: Softube Transient Shaper

Page 5 of 14
Page 5 of 14
iZotope Alloy 2

iZotope Alloy 2

Offers a modular approach to sound design, with several of its modules offering multiband functionality.

Specifically, the transient shaping, exciter, twin dynamics and de-esser modules all let you split the signal into multiple bands and wreak havoc with them.

FULL REVIEW: iZotope Alloy 2

Page 6 of 14
Page 6 of 14
FabFilter Pro-MB

FabFilter Pro-MB

A hugely flexible multiband compressor with a number of potential applications.

Unlike many processors, which have several bands set up by default, Pro-MB starts with an empty slate, encouraging you to create bands only where they’re needed. As a result, it’s as useful for de-essing as it is for dynamically processing even the most needy masters.

FULL REVIEW: FabFilter Pro-MB

Page 7 of 14
Page 7 of 14
FXpansion Maul

FXpansion Maul

A multiband distortion unit that lets you assign a different type of distortion or saturation to discrete low, mid and high bands.

A dry/wet balance dial offers easy parallel configuration, while movement and modulation are provided via LFOs, envelope follower, noise and sample-and-hold modules. 

FULL REVIEW: FXpansion Maul

Page 8 of 14
Page 8 of 14
MeldaProduction MMultiBandRhythmizer

MeldaProduction MMultiBandRhythmizer

A wonderful processor for adding timing, volume and filtering ‘glitches’ to discrete frequency bands in the mix.

Up to six bands are available, to which sequences of data in each category can be added separately. Everything from subtle wonkiness to all-out ‘buffer override’ effects is possible. 

READ MORE: MeldaProduction MMultiBandRhythmizer

Page 9 of 14
Page 9 of 14
PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

A classic plugin for emulating analogue compression and limiting.

Crucially, VW2 adds warm saturation effects as its Drive dial is cranked up, with separate Low and High bands, selectable via frequency-selection dials. It works beautifully as a parallel processor as well as an insert effect 

FULL REVIEW: PSP Audioware VintageWarmer 2

Page 10 of 14
Page 10 of 14
MeldaProduction MMultiBandGranular

MeldaProduction MMultiBandGranular

Apply granular synthesis techniques and construct new sounds across several frequency bands.

This inventive plugin is perfect for creating swarms or clouds of notes, with each band taking on its own unique sonic flavour. 

FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandGranular

Page 11 of 14
Page 11 of 14
Sonnox Envolution

Sonnox Envolution

A brilliantly surgical tool for both mixing and mastering, this frequency-dependent transient shaper gives you the ability to manipulate the attack and sustain of different frequency areas in isolation. 

READ MORE: Sonnox Envolution

Page 12 of 14
Page 12 of 14
FabFilter Saturn

FabFilter Saturn

Multiband distortion for up to six separate frequency bands.

A wide variety of distortion types are included, as well as a host of modulation options, which can introduce anything from subtle wobbling to full on glitchy mayhem.

FULL REVIEW: FabFilter Saturn

Page 13 of 14
Page 13 of 14
Softube Drawmer 1973

Softube Drawmer 1973

Softube’s painstaking and wonderful-sounding recreation of Drawmer’s classic three-band compressor.

Choose crossovers between bands, then shape each with the full range of dynamics parameters. There are some choice software benefits, too: dry/wet allows for instant parallel treatments, and stereo and mid/side options are available, too.

FULL REVIEW: Softube Drawmer 1973

Page 14 of 14
Page 14 of 14
Computer Music
Computer Music
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Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.

Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects… image
Get over 70 FREE plugin instruments and effects…
…with the latest issue of Computer Music magazine
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