Polish Your Song With a Linear-Phase Multiband Processor
Last Edited: Nov 29, 2023
In the world of audio production, there is always room for a bit more compression. If your goal is to tame down specific peaks or to use compression in other ways, a compressor is a go-to tool. While single-band compressor units are good choices for most tasks, some multiband processors incorporate linear-phase technology. In the following tutorial, we will cover one such device, guide you through its interface, and, in the end, show you some practical examples. Let's start by opening a previously made project in the SoundBridge: DAW. This project contains all the essential elements of the whole mix, and it would be suitable for processing with the linear-phase multiband processor.
Linear Phase Multiband Processor by Waves Audio
In this case, we will use a plugin unit on the master channel within the SoundBridge: DAW to give you a broader perspective of what this process can do on a full mix. Nevertheless, you can use it on just about every audio material. While there are other options for this tool, we have chosen to use a Linear Phase Multiband Processor by Waves Audio. Let us add a fresh instance of it to our master channel.
Multiband devices are convenient when dealing with the dynamics of a full-range mix. In a symphonic orchestra, as well as in a Rock and Roll band, different instruments dominate different frequency ranges. Many times, the low range dominates the whole dynamic response while the higher frequencies are riding on top. While it is the mixer's or composer's job to reach the desired balance, mastering engineers often need to do something about the dynamics of the mixed source. It may be to complement it further or, indeed, improve its quality. Moreover, they might need to make it as loud as possible for a competitive level, with as little degradation as possible.
Linear Phase Xover
When the LinMB is active but is idle, it presents only a fixed amount of delay. The output is 24-bit clean and accurate to the source. When we use Xover to split a signal, we think they break the input signal into bands, leaving everything else untouched. The truth is that any standard analog or digital Xover introduces different amounts of phase shift or delay to different frequencies. Further dynamic gain changes will cause additional modulation of the Phase shift introduced by the Xovers. This phenomenon was treated in C4's phase compensated Xovers. However, the initial phase shift caused by the Xovers is still apparent in C4 and its output. All frequencies are equal to the source in Amplitude but not in phase.
When it's essential to achieve as much source integrity as possible, the LinMB goes a long way and splits the signal into five bands, maintaining a 24-bit clean starting point for applying different dynamics processing to each round. Transients are the main sonic events that benefit from the Linear Phase. Transients contain a wide range of frequencies and are highly "Localized" in time. A non-linear phase filter that shifts the phase differently for different frequencies will "smear" the transient over a more extended period. The Linear Phase EQ will pass transients, maintaining their full sharpness.
The Parameters
After briefly introducing multiband and linear phase benefits, let's try to explain the parameters in more detail. The 4 Xover frequencies, shown below the graphical display, are set directly under the graph by grabbing their graph marker or using the text button. These define the cutoff frequencies in which the WideBand signal will be split into five discrete bands.
Adjustable Dynamic Settings
Each band of Waves LINMB has five adjustable dynamics settings. Threshold, Gain, Range, Attack, Release, Solo, and Bypass. These functions are similar in most dynamics processors. However, in this processor, they affect the dynamics of one of the five bands. The range may seem unfamiliar, and basically, it is in place of the well-known Ratio, but it defines both the intensity of gain adjustment and the limit of gain adjustment. In the Global section, you can find master controls, which are ganged rules for moving all the per-band controls at once. It's different in the overall processor output – Gain, Trim, and Dither. The Makeup control allows selection between manual mode and Auto Makeup.
Compression Behavior
Finally, there are four general compression behavior controls: Adaptive (Explained further in the next chapter).
Release – Select between Waves
ARC – Auto Release Control to a manually set release.
Behavior – Opto or Electro modes affect the nature of the release.
Knee - soft or hard knee or any value in between.
Audio Examples
Once we have done with the introduction of LINMB by Waves Audio and its functions, it is time to hear it in action. We will first listen to our track unprocessed and then processed with LINMB.
~Full Mix - Unprocessed
~Full Mix - Processed with LINMB
There is quite a distinguishable difference between unprocessed and processed versions regarding the openness of the mix, taming the harshness, and other aspects. We encourage you to experiment on your own with this great tool!
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