How do you use a Multiband limiter/compression tool?
 

Hi there!
Yet again...
I'm trying to edit some short/fast recordings that I did for doing a nice NGD post.
I'm using studio one.
Mainly with presets.
The compression tool with the "fingerstyle" preset seems to work well.
When eq'ing I just cut the lows to reduce noise for a more 'honest' recording.
Then I add the multiband.
I choose the "Hi Rez limiter" preset and it automatically sounds good.
Just increase the gain before it clips.
But at the same time I think it is losing some high end detail.

Does someone knows how to properly use a multiband limiter/compresser in solo acoustic instrumentals?

From the preset low mids seem to be higher than high mids and highs are really low.
Does this mean it is doing a separate eq that cuts the high end frequency/detail?
I tried increasing the high mids, but the sound gets less chunkier and I need to reduce the overall volume.
I'll try to upload it to soundcloud when I get home.

Good first lesson: record something with deliberate finger squeaks. Then try to tune one band so it ducks the squeaks while leaving the good stuff alone.

Since your recording is for a NGD post I'd prefer to hear it recorded with as much realism as possible (transparent gear) then no post processing (no EQ, no compression, etc). If your ambient noise in your recording space is a problem, then maybe a high pass filter in the range of 40-60Hz.

But if your purpose isn't as much realism as possible, then I guess it depends on what you want to change from your raw recording.

Sometimes a merely-okay recording sounds more "real" with the bad stuff corrected.

There are lots of tutorials on using a multi-band compressor out there, maybe not so many on using it with acoustic guitar, but the concepts are easy to find. A lot of it depends on what you're trying to do, tho. I wouldn't just slap a multi-band compressor on a track because you have one - what problem are you trying to solve? A multi-band compressor is a powerful tool, and a really good way to seriously mess up the sound if mis-applied. For the most part, acoustic guitar shouldn't need much processing when it's the featured instrument - or a solo instrument - you don't say what your context is - strumming, fingerstyle, solo, in a mix with a band? You might compress it more if you're trying to get it to sit in a mix, like a rhythm guitar in a rock /pop track, but it all depends. More info, and preferably an example of your recording would make it easier for people to give advice. My advice in general on a multi-band compressor is to avoid them for acoustic guitar unless you absolutely need one.

It on a instrumental solo. I guess it would be better to use a simple limiter then? I just applied with the preset because it seemed like magic making the recording sound more professional without much work, haha.
Here are the original and the processed one:


I'll try one with a simple limiter and some tweaking in the meantime.

I'm with brent on this one.
Most recordings I made so far won't sound like the real up and close experience just with the high pass filter and normalizing.
Especially using the zoom with the mic capsule instead of external mics.

Thanks for supplying the raw and processed recordings. When played at similar volumes I much prefer the raw.

I prefer your raw track, too. The compressed track just brings up the noise and sounds over-aggressive. Is the basic tone of this track what you want? I'd aim for a warmer sound, but that may be personal taste. How was this recorded?

There's a lot you can do to make a track sound "more professional", but most of it starts with the raw recording. For a solo guitar, there's really not a lot to do in a mix, for most good recordings. Maybe add a little reverb. For professional release, a mastering engineer would likely apply some compression, but they have better ears, better gear, and the experience to do it in a way that works well. For sharing here, posting to you tube, etc, compression isn't really needed.

I really enjoyed the Fahey tune recordings (i.e. Spanish Two Step) on your mahogany guitar that you posted in the show and tell sub-forum a few months ago. Weren't those done with just the Zoom?

The raw recording sounds ok but the processed one does not.


Sounds quite mono, even for Zoom's XY setup. Sure you did not pan R and L towards middle?

Lots of background noise.

With compression presets are just starting points. Used subtly a multi and is a great tool - but you will need your ears!

Yep.
But I also processed that one (not with a multi-band).
I think I'll need to bring it closer the guitar for less noise/clearer recording and bring the low-end down.

I usually record direct in stereo... Is it better to record mono and pan?

The background noise comes from a water feature. I'll retry with a closer position.

Multiband compression is mostly used to correct issues found in a mix (of multiple instruments + voices). I've never heard of anyone purposely using one for a solo acoustic guitar. If you track an acoustic guitar correctly, you shouldn't need do nothing more than a little reverb and EQ to get a decent sound. But of course it might take some work finding the best mic placement for your instrument and room.