Multiband Compression vs. Dynamic EQ: What's the Difference?

[@FrogToneMixing]

Best free Dynamic EQ is Tokyo Dawn's TDR Nova

[@Ben-kx9wu]

Even THOUGH they used to call it a multiband compressor

[@Journeymanlive]

very good indeed

[@xavkoston16]

Totally agree, easy to install, easy to use, and very good sounding !

[@sheetknows]

Use it all the time

[@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69]

How funny I'm using that right now trying to learn more about dynamic eq. It's what brought me here.

[@mamapapamusic2244]

So, I've been studying these things for close to a year as I'm trying to learn about the recording/mixing/mastering process. I write also and I am practicing to get better. Your videos are great resources for this. Thank you. You are one of maybe 5 people I listen to with regularity in this process. You are far more technical and easy to understand.

[@SonicScoop]

Awesome to hear Pedro! Thanks so much for listening and best wishes in your journey. -Justin

[@yossicon]

After watching like 12 videos on this subject, that's the only one that actually gives the answer, And in the best way - THANK YOU!

[@dulla8469]

i love the uncut episode by that way, feels more intimate like someone is actually explaining this to me in person

[@mageprometheus]

Thank you. Little by little I'm picking up techniques and practising them.

[@AntKneeLeafEllipse]

These videos are the best, man. I've learned so much from you

[@rubberneck2855]

I use a whole bunch of rack unit analogue compressors and gates. Having different units allows a lot of artistic expression and makes shaping sound fun. Great video, well explained.

[@spearitscottie1]

Which analog compressors and gates do you use?

[@grahamtaylor6883]

I use the FF proMB a lot as a dynamic EQ. I find it easier to think of like that (on dynamic vocals for example), rather than as a multi band compressor. I Like the interface on it and the fact that you can move the trigger bands around. It's way more versatile than a dynamic EQ and does the same thing. If I need to notch a specific frequency, like mic resonance, I will use a actual dynamic EQ, as the Q can be a lot tighter. The Brainworx dynEQ, is tremendous for this.

[@rok_koritnik]

You're probably the only person on KZbin to clarify this properly. Imho if you have a good dynamic EQ like TDR Nova (which is a parellel EQ) you can do with it everything you'd do with a multiband compressor and more.

[@AgustinCaniglia1992]

I was thinking about this on my own these last few days, and I confirmed what i thought with this video. Thanks Clark Kent.

[@marceloribeirosimoes8959]

I'm not sure if you've called him Clark kent because the way he looks ins this video. Try to look for Jerry Lewis no '80... BTW, this video and this channel are great.

[@MikeHeebz]

I can't do a master without the use of the Isotope Ozone Dynamic Eq!!! Still haven't utilized Multiband Compression to it's fullest. Thanks for your thoughts & knowledge on the subject, always appreciated Justin. =)

[@BinExis]

I like to use multiband compressor with sidechain to open up a specific frequency in one instrument or bus for another, usually for bass range on kick or duck a bit mids/highs for snare or vocals.

[@TheMaddoxfam]

Another vote for TDR nova for a free dynamic EQ that is stellar. If you want a dynamic limiter- look at the platinum ears 5orcery It’s free, and it supports multi-band side changing which is great. I’ve used it both in audio and video production in the studio, but I’ve also used it live with VST inserts and guys, it’s amazing

[@ninaandsakura]

“That’s really all that there is to it” -> great! Video stopped at 2:38! Thanks!

[@aviozstudio4903]

thank you so much :D , i was trying to understand the difference , until you have explained the whole process

[@SonicScoop]

Yes! So glad it helped.

[@JoeBerlinGuitar]

fantastic speaker, excellent explanation!

[@silasschramm]

this is the kind of video you search up when you have a suspicion and need someone to clarify your thoughts :O

[@certainlyjoel]

facts

[@DigiMixAudio]

Thanks Justin; you rock on videos!

[@SonicScoop]

Thanks for checking it out! -Justin

[@robertnealcavanaugh4289]

Excellent no BS discussion

[@heavymetalmixer91]

I preffer Dynamic EQ, it feels easier to use and it's more versatile, and just like you said, it's like an "all over the place deesser". My favorite one is TDR NOVA, which is free.

[@andrewkoss297]

Sonnox dynamic eq is outstanding.

[@EJCAudio]

I really think of multiband as compressing frequency areas, vs Dynamic EQ as filtering specific levels. In that case, saying one is better than the other is a bit like saying “I prefer EQ to compression”. They’re different tools.

[@tlgondatrack4820]

Keep up the good work. I enjoy it and learn a lot😊

[@SonicScoop]

Great to hear! Thank you for joining us for this one.

[@dapb2010]

Now you convince me to buy a dynamic EQ plugin, lol. Thanks for the detail explanation.

[@soundsfromYYBY]

Do u have a multiband compressor

[@finnft]

great video, love your explanations. really clear and precise, thank you

[@lifeofmikael]

Thank you for this session, really helped, one thing I would say is probably get to the point much faster.

[@SonicScoop]

Sponsorship helps pay the bills baby! Hope you liked what you heard on the other side.

[@emeraldlargo461]

great stuff, love the videos & information. you’re a master!

[@RETCHED-METAL]

I dig my Drawmer 1973 analog unit on my drum bus 🤘 cheers mate

[@obidavekenobe]

You can use a multi-band compressor in a parallel aux bus to bring mix in the quite stuff. Or s dynamic EQ in a mid/side configuration.

[@lukekendrick100]

Thank you! Very good explanation

[@FrogToneMixing]

Simply put, in Dynamic EQ, the bands move independently

[@sitizenkanemusic]

@Shiva Crazy Vibe invert polarity/get an 8-core+ computer. Issue solved.

[@hendrix5757]

@Shiva Crazy Vibe I really wish he would've elaborated about these particular differentiating factors within this explanation! Especially when he was mentioning the distinctions 'under the hood', i think it would've been informative to have outlined about when any phase shift occurrences take place, which is virtually ALWAYS with MB compressors (due to the active crossovers), but only minutely occurs when a frequency (band's) threshold is triggered in a dynamic EQ! Things like this which further distinguishes how a signal's manipulated or processed between the two. I would've also liked to have learned whether dynamic eqs exist in the analog hardware domain akin to analog MB compressors, and if perhaps there's any correlation between the existence, or non-existence, of analog/digital dynamic eq's...

[@keeondre2x451]

Yes but I really only use the second band, any videos u can suggest using all of them?

[@manijuve]

I use ML compressor, whenever the problem I'm adressing is about Tone of the sound. But run a dynamic EQ if I want to troubleshoot a high Q problem. To me this approach seems the most efficient one.

[@SeanHarknessGuitar]

I'm relatively new to your offerings here and have already learned so much. THANK YOU!.

[@joejurneke9576]

Great discussion

[@Freaky_mix]

Tanks so much for all you do Justin!!..I always look forward to watching your videos.... A quick question plss... After I'm done with a mix and I realize that I don't have enuf headroom for mastering, instead of taking all the faders down at once, can I jus put a gain plugin in my stereo bus?..is that OK?...will I b doing same tin as taking all faders and reducing dem at once?....Tanks Paul

[@arseniy]

The problem with creating the multiband is splitting bands and keep phase. Like if you use iZotope's multiband it splits correct. But with EQ, I do not know the one which can be used to create good split.

[@FrancescoPirrone]

Great content as usual. 👍

[@oceansiderecordingstudio]

Please do a video on why in the world are mix engineers having to sonically build a track. Why isn’t the sound already there? Isn’t production and recording part of tone? Great shows you have. Big fan.

[@EJCAudio]

YES this has been bugging me too (usually, but not always, with metal Producers). Give me the guitar tones, and drum sounds, that you want me to mix. MIDI ain’t mixing, it’s production.

[@robindymond5262]

I like using the waves C4 or C6 if I need to sidechain the toms and kicks against the bass. The Fabfilter Q3 is my favourite for dynamic eq, although the waves f6 is pretty cool. Multi bands are awesome for splitting bass, as well as controlling double kicks.

[@keithforrester82]

I think mulitband compression is more a creative tool when making sounds for me, dynamic EQ is sculpting afterwards.

[@michaelduff2382]

This

[@lifeofmikael]

Exactly

[@DeeKeyLP]

some dynamic eqs like pro-q3 don't compress but turn down the band that gets beyond threshold. it's more musical and suits surgical applications better

[@SonicScoop]

True! But that is compression. At least in principle. It's really just compression with a different kind of filter, at least when you look at it under the hood. But it usually sounds a lot more transparent than traditional multiband compression for sure.

[@elhean]

SonicScoop isn’t the main difference, except the filters, actualy the fact that dynEQs are changing the gain of certain bands while multibandComps are compressing the dynamic range of material in accordance with selected ratio? As I see it, after the sound leaves dynEq all the sound events within one band are lower in volume by a certain amount of dBs, and after leaving compressor sound events under the threshold are not affected, while sounds above the threshold are lowered proportionately to the amount of dBs they are above the threshold?

[@beatweezl]

You should do a TED talk.

[@Kosich2]

awesome review

[@rubberneck2855]

Worst situation is "new toy" syndrome where a powerful sound shaping tool can be enthusiastically overused. Old Motown records had lots of "air" in the mix. Be wary of over processing to the point of destroying what makes music special and beautiful.

[@SonicScoop]

Indeed!

[@sampledude8846]

You just talked me out of buying Pro-MB. Thank you!

[@SonicScoop]

It’s a good multiband compressor if you need one. Could be redundant if you don’t need one. :-) -Justin

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Subtle multiband compressors I think create a hard-to-define 3 dimensional magic....they create space for some reason....ie everything is not smashed up against the glass....I find Waves C4 on my master buss is pretty magical....I do think it is best to mix into it from the beginning. Thanks Jason ( I like high dynamic range mixes so im a bit obsessed with space...I tend to go for DR12 or LUFS -16 or so.)

[@TheirIAre]

Excellent!!

[@SonicScoop]

Glad it was useful for you Michael! -Justin

[@mohammadjadallah9813]

Yo you're a legend!!!

[@elijahcarbon5149]

A multiband comp on a jungle/DnB drum bus is just suhweeet 😁

[@catonlsd3]

you forgot to mention the most important difference between the two.... the dynamic eq doesn't introduce phase difference greater than the eq action whereas the multi-band has crossover phase distortion limiting parallel applications. MB-compressors are still relevant... for one, they can have a linear-phase option and the other, the nature of the process is way more flexible in terms of compression algos/characters where dyn-eqs have a less diverse sound character.. at least this is what I found out.

[@kelainefes]

There are linear phase dynamic EQs as well, like FabFilter's ProQ 3, or DMG's Multiplicity, which is a multiband compressor as well. FabFilter's Pro-MB also offers linear phase operation and is both a dynamic EQ and a MB compressor.

[@arseniy]

There are multibands which split bands without making your phases wrong. Like iZotope multibands split bands the way the phase kept correct or it can be set in Digital mode where it is linear.

[@Sergiooja]

Fabfilter Pro Q3 🔥

[@VPXM2012]

Really, doesn't matter who makes it... unless you're looking for particular coloration (because commercial products have their own license on algorithms). Dynamic equalizer is the best thing you can have on your master channel.

[@barbierash2137]

dynamic eq = G A M E C H A N G E R ! ! ! good stuff Justin!

[@DrBrunoDzogovic]

Dynamic EQs perform surgical frequency cuts or boosts using dynamic processing, whereas Multiband compressors apply a compressor/expander at a frequency spectrum split in multiple bands. Tools that are used when you really don't have another choice.

[@dn_oux]

Thank you broski

[@temptemp633]

This is gonna sound unrelated, but it's not. I love flstudios' automation clips. Repetative automation that can be easily done. Tedious for something like deessing which a dynamic eq would be easier. But for things like repetatively eqing a kick, it's great having clips of automation. My general order of how much I use it... It would be automated clips the most, then multiband compression, then dynamic eq. Though, I am using dyamic eqing a lot more, because it's automatic and pretty easy to do quickly. But... there have been times when I've swapped the dynamic eq for automation clips, as it adds even more control.

[@guthhalf5484]

How long has the sale been urgent ?? Urgently needs changing ;)

[@MarianoOchoaLeyva]

Thanks great info ,Q?? So do I need a compressor if I use a side chain dynamic eq like track spacer ??

[@rubberneck2855]

It takes practice to know when and where a multiband compressor can be used, single instrument, bus mix or overall mix, all different source material and different results.

[@SonicScoop]

True story. Good insights here today, thanks for sharing them.

[@dulla8469]

i was told from an engineer when someone asked him about the ff EQ3, if the dynamic eq is the same as multiband compression, and they said "technically yea but multiband compression compresses the signal, where as this dynamic eq is just reducing its level"... thats the thing that got me confused cause i thought the compression occurring on the multi band compressor is basically reducing the volume aswell... is there anything worth knowing in the thing he said

[@lbauerer]

Nah. Compression is volume reduction.

[@pco2004]

plus there's make up gain that is often used on whatever your compressing

[@rickymolina7390]

MB can present some crossover phase issues as well. Another plus for D-EQ.

[@barrygeary1890]

I think for broadcast radio station use muliband compressor more than eq because its sound more consistent

[@alyerpal]

Hey Justin, which dynamic EQ plugin(s) are you currently using to control low end in mastering? Thanks in advance...

[@SonicScoop]

That’s one of the things I tend to use Ozone for. I love it for that, the limiter, and the stereo tool in there. At least one of those winds up on practically every master I do. Hope that helps!

[@senseimusicoficial]

Congrats from 🇩🇴 !!!

[@SonicScoop]

Sweet! Glad you could join us.

[@Art_Of_Sound]

Cool vid but...not as easy as u think...3.20...if you just use any ol HP/LP you will end up with crossover issues unless you use the right type. Secondly, try getting a flat window for each band on dyn eq...it’s similar but not the same...def use dyn eq 90% but you can’t do eg 3 band with dyn because of the filter shape vs xcrossover

[@Okayymatt]

Look out "Debbie Does Dallas," here comes "Justin Dives Deep."

[@thegroove2000]

DynOne Dynamics Plugin The ultimate smart parallel multi-band dynamics processor

[@contraspower6302]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AFRoSHEENT3ARCMICHAEL69]

Hair gel or hair spray? Which one should I use?

[@SonicScoop]

In this episode, I used a man bun + having recently come out of the shower. -Justin

[@VPXM2012]

@@SonicScoop LOL!! Subscribed. 😂

[@dulla8469]

his old speaker turned into decorative pieces in his studio, lmao

[@prodbyfelixhien]

isnt it, that all the advantages of dynamic eqs that ere deascribed here are things that the Fabfilter MB is capeable of?

[@Goat.Herder]

Waves F6 ❤️

[@Whocares999]

basically, dynamic EQ > multiband compression

[@sampledude8846]

Nice fro today.

[@DaveZula]

KZbin is really getting obnoxious with the ad breaks.

[@SonicScoop]

If you prefer the audio only version with no ad breaks, we’ve got that here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sonicscoop-podcast/id1448330690

[@hizhaus]

Like #100!

[@pablolluch]

The main difference is that dynamic eq can dynamically increase a frequency while mb compressor can only reduce it

[@SonicScoop]

I’m not so sure about that. From what I’ve seen, I’d say that a majority of multiband compressors out there also have an upward expansion mode available for each band. Have a look around and let me know if you find it to be different. Thanks for stopping by, -Justin

[@pablolluch]

@@SonicScoop oh I didn’t know that! Thanks :)

[@josiahscottquinn]

Dynamic EQ = Multiband Compression without crossovers

[@soundsfromYYBY]

They seem the same to me 🤣.....im still testing to see.

[@SonicScoop]

They kind of are in a way. Same kind of processing, but a different way to dial it in and/or narrow it down. -Justin

[@soundsfromYYBY]

@@SonicScoop i agree to what you stated..DEQ has filters...MB compress flat out up or down

[@J3unG]

So....dynamic EQ replaces multiband compressor. you don't need to use it anymore. i wouldn't.

[@bedtimeread]

OTT is free 🤪🤪😅😅

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

No audible or visual examples ??? This is you tube. We just don't want to look at you!

[@SonicScoop]

We have lots of audio and video examples in this channel. But this is an episode of the podcast, which is a podcast :)

[@who_is_dis]

This is probably the worst take out here / seems as though he doesn't know what the difference is - so he says there is none. Well, the EQ is dropping the overall volume, while the compressor is ... well, compressing. So fundamentally different sounds.

[@vickylakdawala5904]

His hairstyle's so bad..