Multiband Compressor block

]]

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
• FM3: yes
• Axe-Fx II: 2 blocks
• AX8: no
• FX8: no

Channels or X/Y switching

• Axe-Fx III: 2 channels
• FM3: 2 channels
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: n/a
• FX8: n/a

What is a Multiband Compressor

A multiband compressor (MBC) consists of multiple compressors working in parallel, each operating on a separate band of frequencies. Fractal Audio's Multiband Compressor blocks contains 3 compressors. These compressors work independently, so "pumping" in one band does not affect the others. An MBC is often used as a mastering tool.

More information in the Owners Manuals

Multiband compression in Wikipedia

Leon Todd's tutorial on applying Andy Sneap's multicompression trick to improve palm muting

Configuring the Multiband Compressor

In-depth programming of the Multiband Compressor is possible, but even at default settings it's performing fine.

Leon Todd shows how to dial in the MBC for high-gain tones

Parameters

Parameter	Axe-Fx III / FM3	Axe-Fx II	AX8, FX8
Crossover Frequency	yes		n/a
Frequency Range	yes		n/a
Threshold	yes		n/a
Ratio	yes		n/a
Attack	yes		n/a
Release	yes		n/a
Level	yes		n/a
Detector	yes		n/a
Mute	yes		n/a
Knee Type	yes		n/a
Crossover Slope	yes		n/a