In the last post, you learned about how multi-band compression can change the way you mix.

Today I wanted to elaborate on how you can set your multi-band compressor to tackle the drums effectively.

A good process for getting into using multi-band compression on your drums is as follows:

1. Find a Drum Compression Preset

It’s always good to start with a preset you might like. You’re going to tweak it to fit the sound of course, but having a preset that gets you started saves you time.

2. Tweak the Crossover Bands

Solo the frequency bands in your multi-band compressor and move the crossovers to where they make sense to you.

Make the low-end band only tackle the low-end of the kick drum; have a low-mid band that’s tackling all the meaty stuff that can cause you problems in the dirty middle; tweak your high-mid crossover so you’re tackling the crack of the snare and the punch of the beater of the kick drum.

Finally, let the high-end crossover worry about the sheen of the cymbals and the air of the drums.

3. Tweak the Compression Settings

At this point you really just have four compressors working together on separate frequency bands.

Then you can tweak the individual compression settings, the threshold, ratio, attack, and release until each compressor is working the way you want to.

Don’t be afraid to push one band of the compressor harder than another. Sometimes you need to be more heavy-handed in the lows and the low-mids while you only lightly compress the highs.

Multiband to the Rescue

Use the technique above to get started with compressing your drums with a multi-band compressor. It really is a helpful tool that can shape your sounds in a cooler way than any full-band compressor.

If you want to learn more about how to use the multi-band compressor to its fullest extent, check out the new Pro Audio Files workshop that'll help you learn everything you need to to know about the subject.

Audio Issues subscribers get 25% off by using the code 'audioissues' so head on over here and grab the new workshop.

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