Intuitive compression, expansion, and gating for mixing and mastering.
The Precision Multiband plug-in for UAD-2 hardware and Apollo interfaces is a specialized mastering tool that provides five spectral bands of dynamic range control. Compression, expansion, or gating can be chosen separately for each of the five bands for unparalleled flexibility, and the plug-in's simple controls make it the ideal tool for the novice, as well as the seasoned mastering engineer.
Use the Precision Multiband plug-in for everything from complex dynamics control to simple de-essing. Its two filterbank modes provide tons of uses whether you're crafting a drum bus for maximum punch, or putting the final touches on the entire mix. The Precision Multiband plug-in is also a top choice of Grammy-winning mastering engineers such as Emily Lazar (David Bowie, Foo Fighters) and Paul Blakemore (Esperanza Spalding, Arturo Sandoval).
- Reach inside your mixes and fine tune with five bands of compression, expansion, and gate
- Breathe life into stale samples with the Expander section
- Glue a drum or vocal bus together with flexible compression section
- Easily de-ess vocals and tame unruly drum overheads with the Gate
Precision Multiband
Precision Multiband Interface
The Precision Multiband interface is designed to make this complex processor easier to use.
Five separate frequency bands are available for processing. Each band is identified by a unique color, and all controls specific to the band have the same color. This helps to visually associate parameters to the band that they affect. The band names and their colors are:
- Low Frequency (LF): Red
- Low-Mid Frequency (LMF): Orange
- Mid Frequency (MF): Yellow
- High-Mid Frequency (HMF): Green
- High Frequency (HF): Blue
The interface is divided into four primary areas of control:
- The Band Controls section contains the dynamic response parameters for each of the five bands. One set of band controls is displayed at a time. See.
- The EQ Display contains the band frequency parameters and shows a graphic representation of the band frequency response. The overall equalization response is also displayed (if enabled).
- The Dynamics Meters display the amount of gain reduction or expansion occurring on each band. The band enable and solo controls are here also.
- The Global Controls affect aspects of the plug-in not associated with individual bands. These include input/output controls and meters, power, and other controls.
Band Controls
The Band Controls contain the parameters that are used to specify all settings for each band except the Frequency Controls.
The Band Controls for each of the five bands are identical.
Only one set of Band Controls is displayed at a time. The control set for any particular band is displayed by selecting the band (see Band Select).
Band Select
Selecting a band causes the controls for that band to be displayed in the Band Controls area. Bands can be selected by using the Band Select buttons, or by clicking in the EQ display.
Band Select: Buttons
The Band Select buttons at the top of the EQ Display specify which band parameters are displayed in the band controls section. Click the button to display the parameters for the band.
Band Select buttons
Band Select: EQ Display
A band can also be selected by clicking within the area of the band in the EQ Display. For example, clicking within the white dashed area shown below will select the LMF band.
LMF Band Select area
Band Parameters
Because the Band Controls for each of the five bands are identical, they are only described once.
All Button
The ALL button provides a facility to link controls and copy parameter values to all bands when adjusting the current band. Each of the Band Controls has an ALL button. The behavior of the ALL button is the same for all the Band Controls in all the bands (with the exception of the Type Switch).
The ALL button can perform three functions: Relative Link, Absolute Link, and Copy Value. Note that the ALL button cannot be automated.
Relative Link
In Relative mode, changes to a band control will change the same control in the other bands by a relative amount (i.e. the same amount), until any single band reaches its minimum or maximum value.
Single-click the ALL button to enter Relative mode; the button background changes to blue.
When adjusting a control in Relative mode, it may appear that the full range of the active control is unavailable; this occurs when a different band (not the active band) has reached the end of its range.
In Relative mode the Gain value can also be adjusted by dragging the Gain "handle" in the EQ Display.
Note: In Relative Link mode, the parameter values in other bands don't change unless a control is actually adjusted (values are not forced to other bands when enabling the mode).
Note: Relative mode is not available for the Type parameter because the available Type values are discrete. Click and shift-click both activate Absolute mode for Type.
Absolute Link
In Absolute mode, changes to a band control will force the same control in the other bands to snap to the same value as the current band.
Shift+click the ALL button to enter Absolute mode; the button background changes to red. In Absolute mode, the Gain value can also be adjusted by dragging the Gain "handle" in the EQ Display.
Note: In Absolute Link mode, the parameter values in other bands don't change unless a control is actually adjusted (values are not forced to other bands when enabling the mode).
Copy
Ctrl+click the ALL button when it is NOT in Relative or Absolute modes (not blue or red) to copy the current value of the active band control to the same control value in the other bands.
Caution: The ctrl+click Copy function overwrites existing values in all other bands. Undo is not available.
Type Switch
The Type button defines the dynamic nature of the band, allowing each band to function as a compressor, expander, or noise gate, independent of the Type value in the other bands.
Click the Type switch to scroll through the three available values.
The Type text (compress, expand, gate) behaves as a vertical "slider" and can be used for changing the Type as well. Alternately, the Type can be changed using the Dynamics Meters label text.
Note: When changing the band Type, the Ratio value for the band changes to 1:1. This prevents dramatic jumps in the output level that could result from extreme values of other band parameters.
Compress
When a band is set to Compress, the dynamic range of the band will be reduced (dependent upon the band threshold and input level). This is the typical value in multiband compression.
Expand
When a band is set to Expand, the dynamic range of the band will be increased (dependent upon the band threshold and input level).
Gate
When a band is set to Gate, the band behaves as a gate. A gate stops the signal from passing when the signal level drops below the specified threshold value.
Gates are generally used to reduce noise levels by eliminating the noise floor when the main signal is not present, but they are also useful for special effects.
Threshold
This parameter determines the threshold level for compression/expansion/gating. Any signals that exceed this level are processed. Signals below the level are unaffected. A Threshold of 0 dB yields no processing. The available range is -60 dB to 0 dB.
As the Threshold control is decreased and more processing occurs, output level is typically reduced (compression) or increased (expansion). Adjust the Gain control to modify the output of the band to compensate if desired.
Ratio
Ratio determines the amount of gain reduction (or expansion) for the band. For example: When a band is set to Compress, a value of 2 (expressed as a 2:1 ratio) reduces the signal by half, with an input signal of 20 dB being reduced to 10 dB.
The available range depends on the value of the Type parameter, as follows:
- Ratio range in Compress mode is 1:1 to 60:1
- Ratio range in Expand mode is 1:1 to 1:4
- Ratio range in Gate mode is 1:1 to 8:1
Attack
Attack sets the amount of time that must elapse once the input signal reaches the Threshold level before processing is applied. The faster the Attack, the more rapidly processing is applied to signals above the threshold.
The available range is 50 microseconds to 100 milliseconds.
Release
Release sets the amount of time it takes for processing to cease once the input signal drops below the threshold level. Slower release times can smooth the transition that occurs when the signal dips below the threshold, especially useful for material with frequent peaks. However, if you set too large of a Release time, processing for sections of audio with loud signals may extend to lengthy sections of audio with lower signals. The available range is 20 milliseconds to 2 seconds.
Gain
The Gain control adjusts the output level of the band. Generally speaking, adjust the Gain control after the desired amount of processing is achieved with the Threshold control. The Gain control does not affect the amount of processing. The available range is ±12 dB.
Tip: The Gain for each band can also be modified with the Curve Control Points in the EQ Display.
Band Frequencies
For details about the band frequencies, see Frequency Controls.
Band Enable & Solo
For details about the band enable and solo controls, see Dynamics Meters.
EQ Display
In the EQ Display, the entire audio spectrum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz is displayed along the horizontal axis. Gain and attenuation of the five band frequencies (up to ±12 dB) are displayed along the vertical axis.
Precision Multiband EQ Display
Band Curves
The Band Curves show the relative frequency and gain settings of the bands. The sides of the colored curves are a representation of each band's frequency settings, and the top of each curve represents the band's gain setting.
Note: The currently selected band is displayed with a thicker bold line. Disabled bands are displayed with a thinner line.
EQ Response
The EQ Display can show the processed EQ response dynamically as a light blue line across all bands by enabling the Dynamic EQ option.
Curve Control Points
Band gain, center frequencies (cF), crossover frequencies (xF), and bandwidth can be modified by manipulating the colored band curves in the EQ Display with the cursor.
When the cursor is moved over the pre-defined "hot spots" in the EQ Display, the cursor changes shape to indicate that adjustments can be made. Each of these control points and their corresponding available adjustments are detailed below.
Adjusting Gain
The gain of a band can be adjusted by click-dragging the top of its colored line. In this case the cursor changes to an up/down arrow when hovered over the hot spot to indicate the direction available for dragging.
Adjusting Gain and cF
If the cursor is moved slightly lower than the above example, the gain and center frequency can be adjusted simultaneously, without adjusting the bandwidth. In this case the cursor changes to an up/down/left/right arrow when hovered over the hot spot to indicate the direction available for dragging.
Adjusting Gain and Bandwidth
If the cursor is moved to the upper-left region of the three center bands (LMF, MF, HMF), the gain and bandwidth can be adjusted simultaneously, without changing the center frequency. In this case the cursor changes to a diagonal arrow when hovered over the hot spot to indicate the direction available for dragging.
Adjusting xF
If the cursor is moved to where two bands crossover, the crossover frequencies can be adjusted, without changing the gain or center frequency. In this case the cursor changes to a left/right arrow when hovered over the hot spot to indicate the direction available for dragging.
Note: Frequencies can also be adjusted by using the Frequency Values parameters.
Frequency Controls
The crossover frequency (xF) between the bands and the center frequency (cF) of the Mid bands is shown at the bottom of the EQ Display.
The frequencies for each band can be modified by entering the values directly and by manipulating the colored band curves.
Frequency Values
All band frequency values are always displayed. Values can be input directly using text entry.
If a value is entered that is outside of the minimum and maximum allowable value, the entry field will not accept the change and the value for the entry field will remain unchanged.
For the center frequencies, if a value is entered that is still within the acceptable min/max range but the center frequency can not reach the input value because it would require a change to the width, then the nearest allowable value is set. If a lower or greater center frequency value is desired (i.e., the original center frequency value attempt), the width of the band must be reduced first, then the center frequency adjusted again. It's easiest to see the cF limits at the given width by dragging the center frequency with the mouse.
Tip: To modify the frequency (and gain) values using the EQ Display, see Curve Control Points).
Dynamics Meters
Realtime display of Precision Multiband dynamics processing is shown in the Dynamics Meters. This area also contains the band enable and band solo controls.
There is one vertical dynamics meter for each band. They are color coded to match the bands, and represent (from left to right) the LF, LMF, MF, HMF, and HF bands respectively. Dynamics processing for each band is indicated by light blue "LED-style" metering.
Zero dB is at the center of the meter, and the range is ±15 dB. Downward/negative metering indicates compression is occurring on the band. Upward/positive metering indicates expansion is occurring.
In Gate mode, there is simultaneous inward metering from the top and bottom to the center, which provides a visual "gate" that opens and closes along with the gate processing.
Dynamics Meters signal peaks are held for 3 seconds before resetting.
Meter Labels
The labels above the Dynamics Meters reflect the mode that each band is in: GR (Gain Reduction) for compression, EXP for expansion, and GT for Gate.
Band Enable
Each band has an Enable button. The Enable button for the band is just below its dynamics meter.
The band is active when its Enable button is light blue. Click the button to toggle the active state of the band. Disabling bands does not reduce UAD CPU usage.
Band Solo
Each band has a Solo button. The Solo button for the band is just below its Enable button.
When one or more bands are in Solo mode, only the soloed bands can be heard and the other bands are muted.
The band is soloed when its Solo button is red. Click the button to toggle the solo state of the band. Soloing bands does not reduce UAD CPU usage.
Solo Display
When a band is in Solo mode, its curve in the EQ Display is highlighted.
Tip: In addition to the Solo buttons, you can also control+click a band in the EQ Display to put any band (or bands) into Solo mode.
Global Controls
Input Level Meter
The stereo peak/hold Input Meter displays the signal level at the input of the plug-in. Signal peaks are held for 3 seconds before resetting.
Input Level Knob
The Input Level knob controls the signal level that is input to the plug-in. Increasing the input may result in more processing, depending on the values of the band parameters. The default value is 0 dB. The available range is ±20 dB.
Mix
The Mix control determines the balance between the original and the processed signal. The range is from 0% (no dynamics processing) to 100% (wet, processed signal only). The default value is 100%.
Note that at 0% the signal is still being processed by the band splitter in the plug-in. In linear phase mode the splitter is inaudible, but in minimum phase mode you may hear a slight coloration of the signal at 0%.
Output Level Meter
The stereo peak/hold Output Meter displays the signal level at the output of the plug-in. Signal peaks are held for 3 seconds before resetting.
Output Level Knob
The Output Level knob controls the signal level that is output from the plug-in. The default value is 0 dB. The available range is ±20 dB.
EQ Display Switch
The EQ Display mode can be static or dynamic. The EQ Display switch determines the active mode. Click the switch to toggle the mode.
EQ
In this mode, the EQ Display is static. Only the colored frequency bands are displayed.
Dynamic EQ
In Dynamic EQ mode, a light blue line in the EQ Display indicates the actual frequency response of the processor in realtime.
Phase Mode Switch
The filter bank mode of Precision Multiband can be specified with the Phase Mode switch. Click the switch to toggle the mode. The default mode is Linear.
Both filter bank modes achieve the magnitude response of a Linkwitz-Riley filter and provide perfect magnitude reconstruction.
Linear
Use linear phase mode when perfectly phase-coherent results are desired.
Minimum
Minimum phase mode provides a more "analog" (i.e., colored) sound and uses slightly less UAD DSP.
While the DSP savings are rather negligible, there is a functional advantage to Min phase mode. When Precision Multiband is used as a track compressor, Min phase mode provides the advantage of rapid response time of the filters for smooth automation and filter sweeps.
Power Switch
The Power Switch determines whether the plug-in is active. Click the toggle button or the UA logo to change the state.
When the Power switch is in the Off position, plug-in processing is disabled and UAD DSP usage is reduced (unless UAD-2 DSP LoadLock is enabled).
When the plug-in is bypassed with this switch (but not by the host bypass), the I/O meters and the Input Level knob remain active.