Wave Arts’ recently updated MultiDynamics 7 extends the company’s dynamics toolbox with new features that aim to outrun the competition. What can it do that the others don’t? We put it to work on our mix to find out…
In Summary
MultiDynamics 7 is a multiband compressor/expander. It features a large GUI that quickly lets engineers see exactly which band is being squeezed or expanded, and by how much. New features for version 7 include Learn for band thresholds, and new sidechain options including built-in EQ for key trigger inputs.
Going Deeper
Multiband Compression or Dynamic EQ?
These processors have the same wider purpose: to turn specific bands down (or up) depending on incoming levels.
Multiband compression allows compression on a per-band basis, such as compressing the very top end only for tape like effects, compressing the low end to glue the mix’s foundations, or mid-range treatments to de-emphasize an over-loud vocal in a master. Some might agree that it can be the best choice for mixes, or where aesthetic treatments are needed.
Dynamic EQ has more surgical uses, where parametric controls can apply varying amounts of cut or boost. This is level-dependent, and can be self-triggered, or triggered from external sidechain sources. An example would be taming harsh mid frequencies on a voice that only occur when the singer hits a certain note (self triggered), or momentary scoops to guitars when singing is happening (sidechain triggered).
There is some crossover (pun intended) on how these can be used, although the things that set them apart are as much technical as they are subjective. You can read Julian’s excellent explainer here.
Wave Arts MultiDynamics 7
MultiDynamics 7 is a multiband compressor/expander. This sets it apart from many other multiband compressors that often only do downward treatments per band (aka, Regular Compression). This further blurs the line between multi-dynamic and dynamic EQ treatments, and makes for a more versatile toolbox with both upwards and downwards processing, per band.
This latest incarnation of Wave Arts’ dynamics processor is described as providing up to 6 bands of processing with independent compression or expansion/gating per band. Perhaps the first thing to consider when using and multi-band treatment is whether to use it at all…
In the video we use it to demonstrate how multi-band can be used to go up as well as down. We use it to expand the bottom end of our mix (self-triggered), before using a kick signal into its sidechain to pump the mids in a classic electronic style. We also take advantage of MultiDynamics 7 built-in sidechain EQ on the kick to target the triggering for its mid band.
MultiDynamics 7 New Features:
All new interface with dark theme.
Now supports extensive sidechain capability. Each dynamics band can be driven from the input signal or an external sidechain input. You can also specify wide-band or band-filtered signal, or select either the input or external signal filtered by a separate sidechain EQ. Hence you can drive one frequency band based on the signal from another frequency band.
New Learn feature automatically sets band thresholds to detected peak or RMS levels.
A peak limiter has been added to the output processing.
Input meters and an input gain control have been added.
User selectable display ranges for dynamics gain and input levels.
New metering section with options for peak, peak & RMS, RMS, and K-system meters.
Realtime spectrum display with many options.
Multi-Tasking
Most will be familiar with multi-band compression, which can be used on mixes. Its ability to provide different treatments to respective bands has its uses such as gluing the low end while allowing the upper bands to breathe more easily. Its dynamic EQ relation also sets out to effect level-based changes, but its surgical chops can see it used more on inputs rather than whole mixes for loads of parametric potential. Then there are those tools that take elements of both.
MultiDynamics 7 is a multiband compressor/expander, meaning it can also do the kind of upward treatments that used to be the preserve of dynamic EQ. This will make it useful on the utility side of things as well as on creative missions, such as for targeted expansion on cleanup duties. In our video we use it to prove that multi-band treatments can be used to inject dynamic movement rather than Dynamic Death. This range of uses could make it the only add-on dynamics toolkit many will ever need.
A Word About This Article
As the Experts team considered how we could better help the community we thought that some of you are time poor and don’t have the time to read a long article or a watch a long video. In 2023 we are going to be trying out articles that have the fast takeaway right at the start and then an opportunity to go deeper if you wish. Let us know if you like this idea in the comments.