Mastering With Multiband Compression E-Book

Last week Ian Shepherd (productionadvice.co.uk, mastering engineer and friend of AGZ) announced the release of his first instructional E-Book Mastering with Multiband Compression.

There is a basic and enhanced edition. The enhanced version has a bonus 1hr tutorial video, and audio examples for just $10 more.
Here is the sales page:
Buying through this link will support AGZ
If you prefer not to donate, click here.

Ian sent me an advance copy and I was quite impressed. I sent him a short review for his sales page.

“I already use multiband compression in my mixing and mastering, but this eBook made me realize I’d been taking some things for granted. Reading it I gained new strategies, a greater understanding of the parameters and new ideas I can implement into my mastering projects right away” Jon Tidey, Audio Geek Zine

And this is the truth. Ian’s approach is different than the way I’ve taught myself to use multiband compression over the past couple years. I haven’t been doing it completely wrong but I now know why on several occasions it hasn’t worked as well as I’d hoped. Multiband compression was never as transparent as I’d like and it was so easy to overdo it. I know this is a common complaint about multiband compression and Ian’s book has the solution. The starting point, strategy and tips will change the way you misuse multiband compression.

What’s In The Book

This eBook will get you up-to-speed with multiband compression, even if you’ve never used it before. If you’re already an experienced user, there are plenty of advanced tips and tricks to expand your tool-set. Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered:

WHAT IS MULTIBAND COMPRESSION, AND WHY USE IT?

• What is multiband compression?
• The top three reasons to use multiband compression
• My rules of thumb – and why you must keep it simple

QUICK START – MY DEFAULT SETTINGS

• My personal “starting position” preset, including
• Default values for all the parameters and the reasons why I’ve chosen them
• The most important control a multiband compressor can have

MULTIBAND COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES

• Why you should always use a limiter
• Why you should set the input level before the compressor
• How to avoid changing the mix
• Measuring Loudness
• Learn by overdoing it

PARAMETERS IN-DEPTH

• How to chose crossover frequencies, and how they affect the sound
• What ratio to use
• How to choose attack & release times

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR WITH MULTIBAND COMPRESSION

• Using band solo
• Why you must always, always, always level-match – always

ADVANCED MULTIBAND COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES

• Gentle thickening to add density
• Parallel compression
• How to get deep, punchy bass
• How to soften and smooth high frequencies
• When to go easy on the mid
• Damage limitation – EQ and heavy compression for fixing problems

TROUBLESHOOTING

What to do when:

• The compressed version has less impact
• The compressed version sounds “crunchy” or “grainy”
• The bass sounds “flabby” or un-focused

Here is the sales page:
Buying through this link will support AGZ
If you prefer not to donate, click here.