Multi-Band Compressor

Name: Multi-Band Compressor
Price: 49 USD
Author: Harrison

by Harrison · Compressor · Four-band dynamic processor

Not rated yet

A four-band compressor from Harrison that sets each band's attack, release and other parameters automatically, leaving only a few controls.

It aims for a natural, phase-accurate sound, and adds a side-chain key input with its own EQ and an expander mode for ducking and gating effects.

Best for: Mastering, Mix Bus, Vocals, Bass. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: multi-band, sidechain input, corrective, downward expansion, full mix, mastering, bass, vocals, minimal controls, mixing, simple, transparent, built-in analyzer, beginner-friendly, beta, bus processing, deep, live performance, low latency, mix bus, pumping, subscription.

What it does

Harrison's Multi-Band Compressor (formerly AVA Multiband Compressor) takes "a different approach" from typical multiband compressors: the plugin calculates each band's timing so you only locate the problem frequencies and choose how much correction to apply.

Intelligent algorithm: four bands of compression with automatically set attack and release, and internal processing that keeps the combined signal phase-accurate with a flat pass-band.
Range: up to 12 dB of gain reduction per band, with each band switchable in or out.
Band Solo and Auto-Solo: solo any band, or have the band you are adjusting soloed automatically while you move it.
RTA: a high-resolution analyzer showing the input or output spectrum to help find problem ranges.
Side chain and expander: a key input with dedicated EQ and an expander mode for pumping, ducking, de-essing or cross-band effects; processing is ultra-low latency for live use.

The current version is 4.1.0. It has a 14-day free trial and is included in SSL's Complete Access subscription.

Source: Harrison product page

When to use it

This is a simple, problem-solving multiband tool. FabFilter Pro-MB gives full control over every band, Waves C6 adds floating bands and more parameters, and Waves C4 is the older standard. Pick the Harrison Multi-Band Compressor if you want to tame an occasional frequency buildup quickly and transparently with very few controls, or need frequency-specific side-chain ducking.

Best for: taming boomy or harsh ranges on vocals, bass and full mixes, and frequency-specific side-chain ducking.
Genres: general purpose, including mastering and post-production.
Look elsewhere if: you want manual attack and release per band, or a classic crossover-based multiband sound.
Standout: automatic per-band timing that keeps the controls to a minimum.

What producers say

An in-depth independent review found it transparent and easy once you treat it more like a dynamic EQ than a classic multiband.

AdmiralBumbleBee (2019): a beta tester with a review copy found it behaves like a dynamic EQ: "it's not much like other multiband compressors, because it's not one at all!" He called it "a surprisingly easy to use alternative" to complex dynamic EQs, well suited to mastering.
Gripe: the same review (of the AVA version) reported side-chain problems in hosts without VST3 side-chain support and an RTA that did not show the key signal.
Midi Audio Expert (2024): had not used it extensively but said "it seems interesting" for mixing and mastering.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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