Multiband processing made easy

OBJECTIVE
Split a part into four different, nonoverlapping frequency bands, then process each band individually.

BACKGROUND
Multiband processing is particularly powerful with guitar, as applying distortion to separate bands gives a focused, detailed sound.

Step 1
Create four audio tracks, then record your guitar part into one of them. After recording, click on the guitar part, then option-drag into the three other tracks to create four copies of the same track.

Step 2
Insert the Multipressor in Track 1’s top insert slot, and doubleclick on it to open the GUI. Set the three crossover frequencies to 100Hz, 520Hz, and 3,500Hz. Set all gain makeup controls to +6.0dB and all ratios to 1.000.

Step 3
Insert your guitar amp of choice (e.g., Guitar Amp Pro) in the insert slot following the Multipressor, and choose an amp sound you like.

 Step 4
Command-Option-drag the Multipressor and guitar amp to copy them into the same inserts on the three other guitar tracks.

Step 5
Open up the Track 1 Multipressor and solo the first band. Solo bands 2, 3, and 4 in the Multipressors on Tracks 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Step 6
Pan the four tracks as desired to create a huge stereo spread.

TIPS

¦ Step 2: Experiment with different crossover frequencies, especially with instruments other than guitar.

¦ Step 2: These settings defeat compression, turning the Multipressor into a crossover. The other parameters don’t matter.