There's one processor that's both incredibly useful and scary intimidating at the same time.

The multi-band compressor.

I was afraid of using it for the longest time because I wasn't really sure how to work it correctly.

So I just kept on using my other compressors, not realizing the potential I was passing over.

It's only in the last year and a half that I've been using multi-band compressors in my mixes.

I always use to use them in mastering, but that somehow seemed easier and more straightforward.

It wasn't until I realized the problem-solving capabilities of the multi-band compressor that I got hooked.

Here are just a few of the ways I've been using the multi-band compressor lately:

• On the master bus. Getting a great mix from the top-down with multi-band compression really lets me dial in the right compression in the right frequency ranges.
• To tame muddy bass guitars. I sometimes slap a multi-band compressor on a bass and compress a little harder on the low-mids to get the bass to sit better in the mix without adding too much boominess.
• On the drum bus. A multi-band compressor lets you compress the entire drum-kit at varying levels throughout the entire frequency spectrum. This is great when you need to hit the kick pretty hard in the low-end but don't want the cymbals to constantly compress every time the kick hits.
• Smoothing out harsh vocals. If you find a specific frequency in the vocal that's causing problems just tweak the crossover points of the multi-band compressor so that it's taming the harshness while leaving the rest of the vocal alone.

The multi-band compressor is a seriously useful tool to make better mixes. These are only a few of the ways I've been using it lately.

The guys over at The Pro Audio Files realized how valuable it is for you to know how to use it so they've created a brand-new workshop all about the multi-band compressor.

Here's what you'll learn:

• Learn the controls, concepts, and techniques of multiband compression
• Tips and tricks for getting better sounding vocals, drums, low-end & more
• How to get that smooth pop vocal sound with multiband processing
• Manipulate attack, decay, sustain and release of any instrument in a mix
• Separately process low end, sibilance, presence, and body of a vocal
• Avoid the common pitfalls of mixing with multiband compression
• Isolate and bring out cymbals without affecting an overall drum mix
• Two effective ways to attenuate troublesome frequencies in your mix
• A special trick for transparently removing harsh vocal resonances
• Get a stronger overall low end in your mix with multiband compression

Best of all, just like last week, as an Audio Issues subscriber, you get 25% off any workshop or the entire bundle using the code 'audioissues' when you check out.

The discount code expires on Sunday night so make sure you take advantage of the offer before then.

Check out the multi-band compression workshop right here.