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Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....
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SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) is a 13 member Korean boy band under Pledis Entertainment. They are split into 3 teams, the Hip Hop unit (S.coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon), the Vocal unit (Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi...
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On May 20, Harry Styles released his new album Harry’s House, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This is his third studio album in which all thirteen songs are in the top 30...
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The Song House is a songwriter house in Nashville, Tennessee where all levels of writers and artists come together to develop music. Every week, 12-15 songwriters are challenged to write a hook in...
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It’s been one year since the young pop-star, Olivia Rodrigo, released her first music album “Sour”. Since her debut, Olivia Rodrigo has won 3 Grammy Awards and named Women of the Year in 2022.
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After a cancelled performance at the Asuncionico festival in Paraguay Doja cat received backlash from fans claiming the singer neglected them outside of her hotel. After the many complaints from...
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After a long 4 year’s K-pop group Big Bang makes a comeback to the music scene with the song “Still Life.” This song has become another banger from the group reminding fans of the music they once...
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The first theatre production highlighting the global takeover of the K-Pop industry will be making its Broadway debut later this year, with its opening night scheduled for November 20, while...
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Over the past month, singer Ed Sheeran has been battling a copyright trial, accusing him of plagiarizing his 2017 hit song, “Shape of You” the song’s resemblance to their song, “Oh Why” Sami Chokri...
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If you’ve been on social media for the past few months, odds are you’ve probably heard of the iconic viral hit, “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic on just about every corner of the internet.
Read moreIn modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of the frequency spectrum, leading to a muddy mix. Traditional sidechain compression is a popular solution, but it typically reduces the entire sound of one instrument rather than targeting the specific frequency causing the issue. This is where multiband compression sidechaining comes into play.
Instruments like bass guitars and kick drums occupy similar frequency ranges, particularly in the low end (usually between 40Hz and 150Hz). When these elements overlap, it can result in a lack of clarity. Traditional sidechain compression helps by lowering the volume of one sound when the other is present, but it affects the entire frequency range of the instrument. Multiband compression allows for more precision by only affecting the clashing frequencies.
Multiband compression sidechaining gives you the flexibility to address frequency-specific issues while leaving the rest of the instrument untouched. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply it in your mix:
An excellent example of an artist using multiband compression sidechaining effectively is Skrillex. In his genre of electronic dance music, where bass and drums are central to the mix, frequency clashes can easily occur. Skrillex often layers multiple bass sounds, and through the use of multiband compression sidechaining, he ensures that these layers complement rather than compete with his drums. By carefully isolating and controlling specific frequency bands, he maintains both the punch of his drums and the power of his bass without compromising either.
The benefit of using multiband compression sidechaining is its precision. Rather than reducing the entire volume of an instrument, it only affects the problematic frequency bands. This approach ensures that other important characteristics of the instrument remain intact, resulting in a cleaner, more defined mix.
Multiband compression sidechaining is an essential tool for producers looking to achieve a more balanced mix. By focusing on specific frequency bands rather than the entire instrument, you can prevent clashes and maintain clarity. Famous producers like Skrillex rely on this technique to keep their mixes clean and impactful. Incorporating this method into your own production workflow can elevate the quality of your mixes, ensuring that each element stands out clearly while still fitting together cohesively.