x10 Multiband Compressor
Key Features
- 10-band multiband compressor with nine adjustable crossover points spanning 33 Hz to 20 kHz for precise frequency-specific dynamic control
- Per-band parallel compression via dedicated mix knobs, letting you blend compressed and dry signals independently for each frequency range
- M/S (mid/side) processing on every band for separate control of the center image and stereo width during mastering
- Global lookahead and internal oversampling for transparent peak detection and reduced aliasing artifacts
- Integrated output limiter with adjustable release (20 to 500 ms) for final peak protection without a separate plugin
- Per-band threshold (0 to -60 dB), ratio (1:1 to 20:1), attack (1 to 200 ms), and release (10 to 2000 ms) controls for detailed compression shaping
- Solo and bypass per band for surgical auditioning during mastering sessions
Description
The x10 Multiband Compressor by Cana San Martin is a 10-band mastering compressor with adjustable crossovers between each band. It offers parallel compression and M/S processing per band, a global lookahead, internal oversampling, and an output limiter with adjustable release.
Nine crossover points divide the spectrum into ten individually controllable bands, each with on/off and solo buttons plus dedicated threshold (0 to -60 dB), ratio (1:1 to 20:1), attack (1 to 200 ms), and release (10 to 2000 ms) controls. A per-band mix knob enables parallel compression and an M/S knob lets you process mid and side signals independently.
The integrated output limiter can be engaged or bypassed and includes a release control (20 to 500 ms). Master input and output controls provide +/- 6 dB of gain adjustment, giving you fine control over the signal chain from input stage to final output.
Reviewers on Plugins4Free rate it 3.9 out of 5 across eight votes. Users praise its transparent compression and attractive GUI, though several note higher-than-average CPU usage, making it best suited for the master bus or mastering sessions rather than multiple instances across individual tracks.
Cana San Martin is an audio engineer, acoustic consultant, and software developer from La Plata, Argentina. The x10 Multiband Compressor is part of a broader plugin suite that includes the Bus Compressor, Duct Tape Delay, MS Matrix, Mystique Tape Machine, and SCL Console Equalizer.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
Is multiband compression for mastering?
Yes, multiband compression is one of the most common tools in mastering. It lets you control the dynamics of specific frequency ranges independently, so you can tighten the low end without affecting vocal clarity or tame harsh highs without dulling the overall mix. The x10 Multiband Compressor is specifically designed for mastering use with 10 bands and M/S processing.
What is a multiband compressor for?
A multiband compressor splits the audio signal into separate frequency bands and applies compression to each one independently. This allows precise dynamic control without the pumping or breathing artifacts that can occur when a full-band compressor reacts to a loud kick drum and inadvertently ducks the rest of the mix.
Does the x10 Multiband Compressor use a lot of CPU?
Yes, multiple reviewers report that the x10 Multiband Compressor has higher CPU usage than average due to processing 10 separate compression bands plus oversampling. Users recommend using it on the master bus or during mastering bounces rather than running multiple instances across individual tracks in a session.
Is the C4 a multiband compressor?
Yes, the Waves C4 is a 4-band multiband dynamics processor used for compression, expansion, and limiting. The x10 Multiband Compressor offers a similar concept but with 10 bands instead of 4, providing finer control over the frequency spectrum at the cost of higher CPU usage.
