How to use a Multiband Compressor to master or enhance a Techno or EDM track!

1. Frequency Band-Specific Strategies

Low Band (20-150 Hz)

• Kick & Sub-Bass Control:
• Ratio: 3:1 to 4:1 (gentle compression to tighten subs without killing punch).
• Attack: 10-30 ms (slow enough to let the kick transient through).
• Release: 50-150 ms (sync to track tempo for rhythmic pumping).
• Expander Tip: Use downward expansion (threshold just above noise floor) to clean up sub-bass rumble
  between kicks. Dry/Wet: 30-50% parallel compression for added weight without squashing transients.

Lower Mid Band (150-600 Hz) Synth/Pad Glue & Groove:

• Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1 (light compression to tame resonant "mud").
• Attack: 5-15 ms (fast enough to clamp down on boomy synth tails).
• Expander Tip: Apply upward expansion on percussive elements (e.g., toms) to enhance groove dynamics. Upper Mid Band (600 Hz- 6 kHz)
• Lead Synth/Vocal Clarity:
• Ratio: 4:1 (aggressive compression on harsh leads or vocal sibilance).
• Release: 20-50 ms (fast release to preserve transient energy).
• Gain: Compensate with +1-3 dB post-compression to restore presence. Dry/Wet: 50-70% parallel compression for a "hyper-detailed" effect.

High Band (6-20 kHz) Hi-Hat/Shaker Sparkle:

• Compression: 2:1 ratio with fast attack (5-10 ms) to tame harshness.
• Expander: Upward expansion on hi-hats (threshold just below peaks) to add "snap" and air.
• Gain: Boost highs post-compression subtly (+1-2 dB) for sheen.

2. Global Parameter Tips

• Input Level: Drive into the compressor until each band shows 2-5 dB GR (adjust per band).
• Output Ceiling: Set to -0.5 dB TP (True Peak) for streaming safety.
• Dry/Wet: Use parallel compression (30-50% wet) to retain transients while adding density.
• Output Level: Match loudness to reference tracks (EDM often targets -6 to -8 LUFS).

3. Genre-Specific Workflows

Pumping Techno Groove:

• Sync the low band's release time to the track's tempo (e.g., 1/4 note) for rhythmic sidechain-like pumping.

Aggressive Synth Squash:

• Crush the upper mid band with 6:1 ratio + fast attack (5 ms), then blend back with Dry/Wet to keep it punchy.

Bassline Expansion:

• Use downward expansion in the low band to duck sub-bass between kicks, creating space for the kick's transient.

4. Loudness & Dynamics

Dynamic Range:

• Aim for 6-8 dB DR (EDM needs groove, not brick walls). Use the expander to enhance peaks.

Loudness Hack:

• Use the high band's compressor as a limiter (∞:1 ratio) to catch stray peaks in hats/cymbals.

5. Validation & Referencing

A/B with Tracks:

• Compare against artists like Amelie Lens (Techno) or Hardwell (EDM).

Focus on:

• Kick/subbass punch vs. compression artifacts.
• Midrange aggression without harshness.

Mono Check:

• Ensure the low end remains tight and centered (critical for club systems).

Spectrum Analysis:

• Confirm no frequency build-ups post-compression (e.g., 200-400 Hz mud).

6. Final Chain Example

Subtractive EQ (clean up lows/mids) → 4-band Comp/Expander (per above settings) → Saturator (add harmonics to bass/synths) → Limiter (final loudness polish).

By strategically combining multi-band compression, expansion, and parallel processing, your plugin
can shape EDM/Techno tracks into club-ready monsters with both surgical control and organic
energy.