Multiband compression is for imbalances specific to one frequency band

Full-band compression suits dynamic control that applies across all frequencies. Multiband is warranted only when the imbalance is band-specific: a kick’s low end that decays too slowly, a synth’s resonant filter peak that sweeps so a full-band compressor cannot track it and EQ cannot follow it, or band-limited noise/sibilance that varies in level. Used where full-band would do, it just adds crossover artifacts.

Examples

A kick rumbling too long at 80 Hz can be tightened by compressing only its low band, leaving the attack click and body untouched — which full-band compression cannot do.

Assessment

Give three situations where multiband compression is the right tool and why full-band cannot solve them.