Multiband Compression for Vocals with Mixing Engineer Tony Maserati

This video once again proves - sound engineering is pure science. I started making my own music, and I do struggle at mixing part. It's just pure science to make all song parts sound in harmony and nicely. My big respect goes to all sound engineers. They are awesome.

[@queenpurple8433]

Also it’s art

[@BreakBeta]

Michael Brauer's approach is more about feeling, which works well for me.

[@DB-ju7vp]

I'm tellin ya ....... mixing is really what makes or break a song ( more or less ) I struggle with mixing as well .....its really no right way to do it you just got to make it your own sound

[@NormanTiner]

@@queenpurple8433 it's definitely a mix of art and science. Approaching it purely as a science is how we end up with sterile, technically proficient music that's lost all character and feeling in the process. The stuff that's so boring you forget there's even music playing.

[@weddingtalk2018]

There ARE standards but soud engineering is far more about sensation than linear thinking which leans far on the creative talent side than science its doesn't matter if you know the standards if you dont,have the ear that tells you what standards to use where

[@charliestubbs6151]

"Most of you know C4 as a multiband compressor, and it is that.. But actually, I like to use it as a multiband compressor."

[@domdraper3221]

Wow you’re edgy as hell.

[@garbygarb31]

@@domdraper3221 That's what Tony said..

[@benji.wohlrab]

Wow thanks for that comment

[@mmbaz8622]

He’s using it as Dynamic EQ.

[@loublacksail1614]

@@mmbaz8622 *automated dynamic EQ

[@willischirwa3992]

One of the best vocal mixing videos for me ever. Because I did use multiband for vocals ever since I could afford one. Means already in the days of hardware. But I always felt I must be doing something wrong because nobody else seemed to do it. The adverse mantra was, do not use multiband for anything but the masterbus. Or else you will ruin your input signal whatever it is. So I often tried to quit but always came back to using multiband compression on vocals, esp lead vocals. Now to see a world class mixing engineer doing it is such a confirmation and assurance that I am thankful for that aspect only, but more so for the skillful use of it. Because I learnt quite a bit of new things from the master. Thanks so much for sharing

[@OneHalfOfBent]

Imagine having to listen to that all day long. Being a mix engineer must be hell sometimes.

[@queenpurple8433]

It’s honestly ALWAYS fun if you think of what you’re working on as just sound. Don’t judge it, it’s just sound. And working with sound is fun

[@chefcurry8983]

What's wrong with it ?

[@Vaguenificent]

its not hell just your ears get tired and hearing it sooo many times over and over the song starts to sound bad, so you have to take breaks before you start messing with stuff that doesn't need adjusting

[@AsyncLive]

@@chefcurry8983 It's just a material to work with, but hey it could be some smart-ass indie pop with cultural references and esoteric philosophy, or it could be just a cheesy cheap-ass pop appealing to the dumb masses... i guess it's part of the deal hahah

[@HariboLP1212]

it can drive you crazy though, especially when you hear to single words or just short loops :D

[@mikedowd66]

He's such a soft spoken guy that when he tries to demonstrate a loud voice during his dynamic range explanation, he can hardly do it. lol. Love this guy.

[@gpr4eva]

So glad they make dynamic EQs now

[@stevo73881]

Thanks Tony. Out of all the mixers/producers on KZbin giving lessons, your the best teacher. You explain it so well. Thanks again.

[@nickwarren131]

Interesting I actually recently used a multiband compressor on a recording I did of a choir. They had way too many females and not enough male members. I used a multiband compressor to boost the ranges of tenor/bass singers. I loved the sound it gave. It sounded much better than using EQ.

[@ForTiorIJohnny]

damn i feel like such a noob now. i used to automate EQ´s where necessary and i always felt something was meh. then i tried this and BOOM new revelation. awesome stuff.

[@ArtByTrahnay]

Literally me right now.. 5 years later.

[@maxhernandez5202]

Everyone will feel like a NOOB when watching MR Maserati mixing anything.

[@TheBlashMusic]

Eq automation actually sounds more transparent than any form of compression IMO, but sometimes compression can save a lot of time.

[@enricoianniello5611]

@kickdje idk which of them is the best, i've got mb and c6, mb is more easy to use, but c6 seems to me more professional, idk really, also on de esser, waves de esser or fabfilter? there are too many plugins that do the same thing ahah, so confusing

[@FriedrichHabetlerMusic]

Very very helpfull tutorial!

[@FriedrichHabetlerMusic]

O.I.C RECORDING GENERATION I've just said it was a helpful tutorial.... It's pretty obvious that u need good vocals to that.O.o

[@Anders01]

Excellent presentation. I haven't tried multiband compression on vocals yet, it will be interesting to practice.

[@kaspakilla]

Totally Amazing

[@lasciencedelamusique6245]

The best vocal multi band vocal tutorial i've seen by far... Thank you Waves and Tony

[@TheStudioJacksonville]

This is amazing. I have automated eq's because when transferring to falsetto you lose the deeper tones, but this just makes it sooo much easier, and so much cleaner

[@justinleonard3400]

Wooooow, the difference from 5:22 to 5:26 after the top end was introduced to the C4... unbelievably noticeable, almost immediately turned to pure butter with nothing else and barely any tweaks. So happy I watched this.

[@DiegoSandovalMusica]

This is one of the best teaching videos EVER, since i saw it one year ago my productions has totally change for better, great plug in and such a great teacher!

[@Vestu]

CLA Vocals and C4 saved my vox mix. Thank you, Waves Audio.

[@Zisch2]

Most underated tip ever. Waves C1 SC or a flexible desser (which allows to grab lower frequencies) are heading in the same direction

[@IliansGitarElever]

Brilliant tutorial by brilliant mixing engineer! Thank you for sharing Mr. Maserati :)

[@trainerbilly2302]

Great tutorial! I especially like the enhanced presence without relying too much on regular eq, which is why I look up stuff like this in the first place.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

I`m glad Waves did a tutorial on the C4 because its a great plug. Such a powerful (but dangerous) plug. I also like the way Maserati explains things… he also lets the music play and doesn`t talk over it which is very helpful.

[@YourxVentii]

"I recently was doing a mix of a beyonce track" subtle flex. I see you Tony.

[@UptempoMusicLessons]

Humble brag.

[@WickedHill]

I know you’re just joking but this is crazy how we’re getting tips from these people lol

[@user-ux1vj9vx7s]

@@UptempoMusicLessons That’s not what that means

[@psuede3775]

@@UptempoMusicLessons is it a humble brag or is he showing that he knows what he's doing

[@Snarizard]

Waves C4 has always been my favorite plugin for this exact reason. Such a versatile plugin, suitable for any application where you want to delicately affect a frequency without doing away with it completely.

[@digital_cratez9116]

The day I learned upward compression I was so blown away. Now it just seems like a standard mixing element, although I rarely need it to be honest.

[@amaze2n]

The lyrics of this song make me wonder about the meaning of existence itself. Well done Cody Longo for writing such a deep and horror-inducing song.

[@whitestork3896]

This guy has sex - the song

[@ZEROPROD000]

thanks tony ♥♥♥

[@rhemaman]

As shown here, I find that precision processing like this is more important during the editing and cleanup phase than it is during mix bus and premastering. The casual attitude that a novice takes to just using whatever tracks are available and fix them in the mix, is not only a fantasy, but it's counter-intuitive because it sets the engineer up with an expectation that they will be able to do more than one job at a time and not run into a conflict of interest. I find the F6 Equalizer useful for this kind of stuff.

[@VeronicaGorositoMusic]

Hi! Could you tell if there's a difference in multiband comp, instead of dynamic Eq, or is just a matter of personal taste or maybe workflow? Thanks in advance 😊

[@rhemaman]

@@VeronicaGorositoMusic great question! The multiband compression is a fantastic tool for what you might use it for. But the list of things I might use it for is very small. It will literally, mutilate whatever you use it on so I often use it in parallel processing. And I find them especially good with percussive instruments. To take a generic kick, and give it some bottom end without losing the dynamics is a difficult thing to pull off. Using just an EQ means putting a heavy shelf on it, using a standard bus compressor will take away the up and down punch. With a multiband compressor, I can dial in the exact frequency that I want to bring up in the sound without compromising the rest of the track. Used on a parallel track, this can totally change the character of that instrument. Dynamic EQ does something that no other tool can do. And while there are some newer tools coming out now that can even do this better, like Trackspacer, the dynamic Equalizer still remains more general purpose and can be used for all kinds of things. Mastering is a common place use. But understanding what it is, is the most important part. Up until the dynamic Equalizer, the only way to use a sidechain was with compression or expansion. For a long time, we had to be extremely creative to accomplish what this newer tool can do. And this does it better. We don't just equalize the signal going into the sidechain. Instead, this is the equalization, which is being controlled by the dynamics of what is sent to the sidechain! Having an EQ work only under specific conditions that you get to establish yourself is like an entire editing session being automated on the fly. A real time saver with results like what you might get when you send it to a third party who uses software for such purposes. I hope that helps. And always remember, my answer is only what I've personally had benefits from. Be creative enough to think outside the box, always.

[@VeronicaGorositoMusic]

@@rhemaman ooh that's a lot of good information! I agree on dynamic Eq being such a powerful tool, I had done it in Reaper using the native plugins, as a practice, to understand what dynamic Eq's does, and it's cousin the De Esser, and that was a lot of trial & error, for the crazy routing you have to do 🤯 And yeah absolutely, creativity is key in this technical career, thank you again! Take care.

[@56mayer]

Tony is amazing with this kind of stuff. I remember watching videos like this when I was first starting out and being blown away. Now it’s part of the arsenal. Thanks for the inspiration, Tony

[@jasongoldstein97]

This is a good video. Very good use of the c4. Also helpful to see what Tony considers the harsh band of the male vocal. Thank you waves, and Tony for all you do. I am going to take what I learned and use it on the choir.

[@theloser5459]

I´m glad to visit such amazing tutorial. Thank you Tony and Waves!

[@Crossfire2003]

The king of mixing/mastering at his finest!

[@MrLucky1Luciano]

c4 upgraded my mixings to a whole new level

[@musicmann1967]

Excellent tutorial. It's much precise to eq certain tracks dynamically with a multicomp as opposed to statically with a regular eq.

[@johnrpittenger]

I use multiband Dynamics a lot. I can't believe I never thought about it for vocals. Thanks

[@abinash02]

Found it 7 years later. Yet timeless knowledge.

[@JamesCurwood]

Wow, this is a lot of information in a few minutes. I want to watch this again and again.

[@1masterfader]

Thank you so much Tony. This information is priceless. It helps build my ears in hearing things that my clients and the music Lover may never hear but will appreciate.

[@chopituprecords3004]

Been a fan of his since I started using his plugins and his approach on mixing I have a great respect for

[@musicschool4593]

Fantasic Video. One of the best i have ever seen on the net. Thanks mate.

[@teckno_senpai]

love hearing tony explain. always smooth with it and easy / clear to follow. clean demonstrations

[@nfijef]

Active responsive EQ, Best info Ive seen in a while, thanks Tony!!

[@radthe5th]

I honestly feel like understand multi band for the first time after years of producing and owning this plugin

[@SuperDSLAM]

Great approach Tony!! I just tried this and it's really a slick way to get the vocals to stand out in the mix as well as adding presence. Thanks for the video!!

[@HiLoMusic]

God... so complicated, so precise.. It's obvious why anybody would need a professional for this.

[@sebastientumahai9560]

What is this exactly?

[@HiLoMusic]

Randy Orton He's mastering a track.

[@sebastientumahai9560]

AcidicFriend Is this part of your projects?

[@HiLoMusic]

Randy Orton No, this is for fun.

[@sebastientumahai9560]

AcidicFriend oh... Sorry dude!! I'll get you get back to it.

[@tngmusic7077]

Absolute love for Maserati and Waves... but the release is on ARC (automatic release control) while we're supposedly listening to differences in release settings 😳

[@caspermaster-com]

Yes. Placebo is real, happens to the best, as seen here:)

[@kromanoidx]

"If the Release control is set to ARC mode, then the release time of each band is calculated every sample for the minimum distortion. The value of the release time you set in each band becomes the reference value from which the actual release time is calculated by ARC at any given instant. " -C4 Manual

[@x1plus1x]

What kept catching my attention were the plosives on "Playing games", and "with your heart Babe."

[@TheIgnoramus]

Maserati is the man! I now realize how to correctly use the C4 been better.

[@titop168]

wave, thank you so much. C4 being taught by the best.. much love!

[@SPLMixing]

Absolutely brilliant, thanks Tony!

[@AudioCollege]

Very interesting concept, using a multiband compressor to better control vocals. Will have to dive into this topic more.

[@piano25]

Very nice ! THANK you for sharing this! Thank you WAVES and Tony!

[@SPKRX]

wow I've been doing this for a while because I liked how it sounded without realizing that's what I was doing when you put it in those terms.

[@brainywookie5204]

Never old always useful Thank You Mr. Tony Maserati

[@Dayta]

i like the idea of using a method to solve the breathing sound problem. i often see people doing some handy work cutting each breath sound

[@dominicperrone4675]

“Finding the correct attack and release times is really the key”... dude what?! Thank you! 😂😭 supergem

[@robertmurphy4689]

Tony is the man! Thanks for sharing these tips.

[@romecalig1905]

I could listen to this guy for Hours!!!!

[@Drugvision0]

10/10 Tutorial and extra points for getting straight to the point

[@shahriarTAVAKOLY]

Awesome tutorial?!!!I watched this tutorial many many times over n over till finally i’ve got the concept perfectly. Now I’m able to not only target and calm down hursh melodies, but also I figured out how to use this concept to get rid off the ambient HISSSS that comes with boosting high frequencies

[@werticocaingray5896]

Thanks for sharing Tony. Really appreciate your insights.

[@tinderbox83]

Multiband is definitely where it's at for vox. I demoed the C4 and have the Fab-Filter Pro M.. The C4 is easier to use as far getting a start with multiband and getting good results quickly.. They are both quality, but the Fab-Filter Pro M is my favorite plugin (along with Lexicon's reverb plugs).

[@dwdrummer0]

C4 was my most used and favorite plugin before waves started releasing all the API and NEVE clone plugs. I still use it all the time.

[@jeffsky1971]

god you can hear such a difference between bypass and no bypass..presence at 4k sounds real nice

[@andrewkigen]

Thanks for the great information!

[@nicolasgregoire76]

Legendary lesson, thank you Tony M

[@AsyncLive]

great tutorial and nice multiband compressor, gotta try this C4 tonight

[@Pjaysusity]

Very good demonstration/application of multiband use 🇹🇹

[@pharaohonthetrack2008]

Greatly appreciate your time Thanks Tony, ima start watching more of your videos. I'm going to give you a shout when I finally make it 💯 #PharaohOnTheTrack

[@Mio-fu1sr]

very useful technique, it keeps the natural sound and i have perfect control,it' all about the atack and the release,can't thank you enough

[@NEMdaTruth305]

Tony your the best we need more videos like this waves

[@kennylux]

"Most of you know it as a multiband compressor, and it is. But I use it as a dynamic EQ, which multiband compressor basically is."

[@thejuiced1_]

This just changed the game for me!

[@jhopmusictv]

This is great!! Real... Professional... Tips!!💯

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Excellent tutorial. Learned a bunch from Tony. What a smart mixer :)

[@jordanpravin5623]

I struggle getting this plugin to get the right tone, appreciate the video!

[@rawstarmusic]

Yeah I thought of that dynamic EQ but I haven't achieved it. It's much better than static EQ of frequencies throughout whole songs. Automation would be a pain but here it follows the song. Very good solution.

Tony Maserati huh? Well I’m Jerry Chevrolet.

[@banyarling]

Toyota Thom.

[@gr11n33]

Josh Porsche.

[@pacificbase]

Nick Ferrari

[@w3stoff]

Vladimir Zhiguli

[@Top10soon]

Mercedes Mercedes

[@haveagooddavid]

Very helpful! Pumped to mix some vocals

[@jloverecords]

Great innovating thinking on that C4 Plug In .. Most definitely going to give this a try

[@BjornFSE]

Love IT. Informative and Excellent Detail Mr Maserati. Still one of My Favorite Plugin Bundle in Waves is the Tony Maserati Plugins

[@pineapplepunchy]

amazing knowledge

[@PUNXTACOPUNX]

The C4 will make your mixes EXPLODE!!!

[@verdrehtewelten]

the best tip ever. thanx so much for this great tip. new level for my vocals^^

[@carlosalbertomoralesramos9995]

This is why a brain was given for ! Thanks thanks ! I will try this for sure !

[@PrisonTorture34]

Waves C4 is great. Very responsive plugin for such applications

[@lance134679]

Very helpful. What a great alternative to eq, which could have made the vocal really thin.

[@ryanmacgibbon301]

This info saved my VOX mix, but this song is absolute cancer.

[@asimhussain2344]

Cancer is benign in the world of commercial music.

[@SenatorBanana]

so much tuning on him its making me nauseous

[@kevingamble9050]

Yes, but as an engineer, you have to keep an open mind to what you are mixing. I personally would never listen to this music, but I would work on it.

[@SenatorBanana]

absolutely. if work is music, work isnt so bad. guy's gotta eat.

[@BrandonStonerAEP]

well said

[@maneava]

Great advices, thank you for sharing your experience

[@RBGMusicEnt]

your the best tony, it worked perfect.

[@vedantamusic5001]

Amazing content! Thanks Tony

[@ForgottenToast]

When trying to experiment with the release time shouldn‘t you turn off the automatic release control first?

[@tyvode_official]

I literally searched for this comment because I had the same thought. Really shows how even the most professional engineers are getting tricked by their eyes when using plugins.

[@aristotleonassis5792]

Even though it’s a good vocal recording it fine tuned the tonal balance really well.

[@langerofficial]

Just googled Cody Longo out of curiosity. Looks like he passed away this year. Damn bro...

[@PuuluMixStudio]

Gray work Mr Tony

[@gh0stransist0r]

the song stuck in my head and now i wanna C4 myself and die. damn

[@rbw9692]

Nathaniel Newton made my day (the comment, not the song)

[@jumalsam]

BRILLIANT!!! Thanks for this

[@Journeymanlive]

spot on! thx

[@drewmiller2054]

Thank you Tony, Very insightful video. I learned alot :)

[@chishaun8466]

🔥🔥Tony in the clutch

[@dul22]

Love the vacum cleaner in the back