The Multiband plug-in splits the program to four bands by engaging three phase-compensated crossovers. The crossover design is identical to the Waves C4. In the multiband component you can specify a dedicated range and sensitivity for each band. This allows you to make better adjustment on a drum group auxiliary or a drum loop that needs improved punch.
Sometimes, using the Trans-X Multi on a single instrument, allows you to design the spectral nature of the transient, so you are shaping not only the attack but also the EQ of the transient. This process usually requires more careful adjustment but can yield results superior to anything else we have come across during the development of Trans-X.
The Trans-X has automatic level padding when the range is extended. The reason for this is that a typical application will be to boost the attacks on a signal that is already hot. Without the level padding this is sure to produce clipping and distortion instead of the desired punch and impact. The output level can be adjusted after the impact is satisfactory, and you can use the trim button to bring the output peak gain to the full scale.
The Trans-X can co-exist with other dynamics processors, such as compressors, expanders and limiters, and it can work before or after these processors in the signal path. It may seem that using a fast-attack compressor after the Trans-X will destroy all the good work of the Trans-X, but in reality it doesn’t necessarily do that, and many times a lot of the punch survives post compression with the shortest attacks. The reason for this is that normal dynamics compression can’t change the attack time of the instrument, which defines punch and impact; it can only lower its gain when the energy exceeds a certain threshold. The secret is that the detail and settings of compressors and similar devices can affect the punch regardless of using transient processing. Transient processing can also be quite effective post compression, expansion, limiting, etc.
The Trans-X is the mixing engineer’s secret weapon for the articulation of transients as well as a handy tool for reaching the desired balance between the continuous and sustained vs. the impulse and transient. It is not designed for mastering or for human voice processing, although you may find creative uses that are beyond the scope of its intended applications.
Waves Trans-X software guide page 3 of 8
