Harrison Consoles AVA Multiband Compressor is a powerful and intuitive dynamic processing tool designed for professional audio engineers and producers. This plugin is the latest iteration of Harrison’s renowned multiband compression algorithm, which has been used in high-end post-production and film studios for years. The AVA Multiband Compressor offers a unique approach to frequency-specific dynamic control, combining the transparency of a dynamic equalizer with the functionality of a traditional multiband compressor. Its user-friendly interface features four adjustable frequency bands, each with its own threshold and gain reduction controls. The plugin also includes a real-time analyzer (RTA) display, providing visual feedback of the input and output signals. One of the standout features of the AVA Multiband Compressor is its intelligent algorithm, which automatically calculates optimal attack and release times for each band, ensuring phase coherence and natural-sounding results. This plugin is suitable for a wide range of applications, from subtle mastering tasks to more aggressive sound design and mixing scenarios.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• Intelligent algorithm for automatic attack and release time calculation
• Flexible sidechain options with dedicated EQ for creative effects
• Low latency performance suitable for live use
• High-resolution RTA display for visual feedback
Cons:
• Limited to four frequency bands
• Global envelope controls may be restrictive for some users
AVA Multiband Compressor boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart from many other multiband compression plugins on the market. At its core, the plugin utilizes Harrison’s proprietary algorithm, which analyzes the incoming audio and calculates optimal settings for each frequency band. This intelligent processing ensures that the compression applied to each band remains phase coherent and natural-sounding, even with significant gain reduction.
The plugin’s interface is divided into four adjustable frequency bands, each with its own threshold and gain reduction controls. Users can easily adjust the crossover points between bands by dragging the frequency handles on the main display. The AVA Multiband Compressor also offers two solo modes – Band Solo and Auto Solo – which allow for quick and precise identification of problematic frequencies. The Band Solo mode enables users to isolate and listen to individual frequency bands, while the Auto Solo mode automatically solos the band currently being adjusted.
One of the most powerful features of the AVA Multiband Compressor is its flexible sidechain capabilities. The plugin includes a dedicated sidechain input with its own EQ section, allowing users to create complex ducking effects or fine-tune the compression response based on external audio sources. This feature is particularly useful for creating space in a mix or achieving creative pumping effects.
The plugin’s main display incorporates a high-resolution, real-time analyzer (RTA) that provides visual feedback of both the input and output signals. This feature is invaluable for identifying frequency imbalances and monitoring the effects of compression across the spectrum. The RTA display can be toggled between pre and post-processing views, allowing users to compare the original and processed signals easily.
The AVA Multiband Compressor also includes an expansion mode, which can be used to enhance specific frequency ranges rather than attenuate them. This feature is particularly useful for adding presence to vocals or bringing out subtle details in complex mixes.
In terms of performance, the plugin boasts ultra-low latency processing, making it suitable for both studio and live applications. This low latency operation ensures that the AVA Multiband Compressor can be used on multiple tracks simultaneously without introducing significant delay or phase issues.
When compared to similar plugins, the Harrison AVA Multiband Compressor stands out for its ease of use and intelligent processing. While many multiband compressors can be intimidating for novice users, the AVA’s automatic parameter calculation and intuitive interface make it accessible to engineers of all skill levels. The plugin’s sound quality is on par with high-end competitors like the Waves C6 or FabFilter Pro-MB, but with a simpler workflow. However, the AVA Multiband Compressor’s four-band limitation may be restrictive for some users who require more precise frequency control. Plugins like the iZotope Neutron or FabFilter Pro-MB offer more bands and greater flexibility in this regard. Additionally, the global envelope controls on the AVA may be seen as a limitation by some advanced users who prefer per-band attack and release settings. Despite these minor drawbacks, the AVA Multiband Compressor’s unique approach to dynamic processing, combining elements of both multiband compression and dynamic EQ, sets it apart from many of its competitors. Its intelligent algorithm and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for engineers who value efficiency and sound quality over extensive customization options.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking a transparent and easy-to-use multiband compression solution
• Mastering engineers requiring precise frequency-specific dynamic control
• Live sound engineers needing a low-latency multiband compressor
• Producers looking for creative sidechain compression effects
• Novice users who want professional-quality results without a steep learning curve
Harrison Consoles AVA Multiband Compressor is a powerful and versatile dynamic processing tool that offers a unique blend of ease of use and professional-grade sound quality. Its intelligent algorithm and intuitive interface make it accessible to users of all skill levels, while its flexible sidechain options and expansion mode provide ample room for creative applications. The plugin’s low latency performance and high-resolution RTA display further enhance its utility in both studio and live settings. While the four-band limitation and global envelope controls may be restrictive for some advanced users, the AVA Multiband Compressor’s overall performance and sound quality make it a strong contender in the crowded field of dynamic processors. Whether used for subtle mastering tasks, aggressive sound design, or creative mix effects, this plugin delivers consistent, musical results with minimal effort. Its ability to achieve transparent dynamic control while maintaining phase coherence sets it apart from many competitors, making it a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit.