Music producers and mixing engineers know that getting a track to sound “just right” involves quite a bag of tricks.
EQing, reverb, saturation, you name it. But, in the world of digital audio production, few tools have become as synonymous with powerful sound design and impactful mixes as OTT compression.
Short for “over-the-top” compression, OTT takes a specific approach to dynamics processing, producing a sound that’s simultaneously powerful and polished.
Table of Contents:
- What is OTT Compression?
- Where Did It Originate?
- When Would You Use OTT Compression?
- How Do the Controls Work?
- What are Some OTT Alternatives?
- Conclusion
What is OTT Compression?
OTT compression is a specific style of multiband compression known for its aggressive sound. Instead of treating the entire audio signal with the same compression settings, OTT divides the audio into three frequency bands (low, mid, high), much like a multiband dynamics plugin.
However, the secret sauce of OTT is how it manipulates these individual bands: it applies both upward and downward compression at the same time.
Downward compression lowers the volume of loud parts of a signal, reducing dynamic range, resulting in a track that sounds fuller, allowing quieter elements to shine through in a mix.
However, upward compression works a bit differently, increasing the volume of quieter signals. Doing this adds presence and punch, and, in OTT’s case, can be pushed to the extreme. Using upward and downward compression in conjunction creates that instantly recognizable aggressive OTT compression sound.
Where Did It Originate?
You can thank Xfer Records’ very own Steve Duda (also the brains behind the incredibly popular Serum synth) for gifting us with OTT compression in plugin form back in 2011. He faithfully modeled his standalone plugin after the Ableton preset of the same name found on Ableton Live’s stock multiband dynamics plugin.
The OTT plugin, offered as a free plugin, can be used in just about any digital audio workstation. Although modeled after the effect found in Ableton, this plugin isn’t simply a one-to-one recreation, with subtle differences between the two. The convenient plugin format opens up OTT compression to a world of producers previously unable to take advantage of its powerful processing, shaping the sound of electronic dance music for years to come.
When Would You Use OTT Compression?
Electro producers mainly use Xfer Records OTT compression to beef up sounds in a mix or on individual instruments. This can involve anything from drums and synths to vocals and even full mixes. The real magic often comes from subtle uses of the effect, but some situations call for completely transforming a sound with intense processing.
OTT compression can make drums punchier, especially when trying to get your kick drum sound to cut through a mix. Ever notice how massive the drums sound in EDM, dubstep, or trap music? Yep – a lot of that has to do with heavy compression.
Synths can see massive sonic benefits when processed using OTT compression. That “punchy” synth sound in many modern genres takes advantage of what an OTT multi-band compressor brings to the table.
Like any form of processing, sometimes the most interesting uses come from experimenting until something clicks. An OTT compressor plugin can even sound cool when applied to a full mix on the master bus. However, keep in mind that a little OTT compression goes a long way. Managing your output gain effectively is crucial in preventing unwanted clipping when pushing your signal’s level.
Creative Automation with OTT Compression
Using automation allows you to dynamically control how the OTT compression affects your tracks. You could gradually increase the intensity of the effect on a rising synth line or have it completely drop out before snapping back in during the next measure, adding interesting dynamic shifts that help create movement within your music.
For example, you can apply sidechain compression using OTT to create a pumping effect.
How Do the Controls Work?
While its inner workings might seem complicated at first glance, OTT compression controls are pretty minimal.
Input/Output Gain: Finding Balance
The gain controls on a dynamics processor are your most important.
The Input Gain control dictates the strength of the signal hitting the compressor. Increasing the Input Gain drives the signal harder, often resulting in a more compressed sound. But, watch out. Pushing this control too far can add unwanted distortion if your output gain isn’t compensating for it. On the other hand, the Output Gain on an OTT plugin serves as the master volume for the entire signal.
Depth: Finding the Sweet Spot
Think of Depth control as a dry/wet knob. This knob determines the ratio between your unprocessed audio and how much of it is being processed by OTT’s intense compression. Setting it to 100% means the signal is fully processed. Backing things off to a lower percentage lets more of the original sound through.
Time: Fast or Slow?
The Time knob adjusts the attack and release times of the multiband compressor. The Attack determines how quickly compression kicks in after the signal crosses the threshold, while Release determines how long it takes for the compression to return to its normal state after falling back below the threshold. Increasing the Time results in a slower attack and release, while decreasing it makes it more snappy.
Bands and Thresholds: Shaping the Frequency Spectrum
OTT’s greatest strength comes from the ability to fine-tune each band’s threshold and compression intensity individually. Each band has its own set of controls for adjusting the amount of upward and downward compression applied.
Band | Frequency Range (approx.) |
---|---|
Low | Below 88.3 Hz |
Mid | Between 88.3 Hz and 2.5 kHz |
High | Above 2.5 kHz |
Use these to dial in your compression. Dragging each band’s corresponding blue block to the right increases upward compression for that specific frequency range. Dragging each red band to the left controls downward compression for that range.
What are Some OTT Alternatives?
OTT isn’t the only tool that uses multiband dynamics to help shape and process sound. Plugins such as FabFilter Pro-MB and Slate Digital’s MO-TT provide exceptional alternatives with an emphasis on control and a transparent, clean sound, in contrast to OTT’s more aggressive multiband nature. They can be great options if you are looking for more surgical multiband processing with a solid visual display, or if you find that the OTT sound quality is too extreme.
If you’re an FL Studio power user, then look no further than Maximus. Maximus offers similar multiband dynamics processing capabilities as the previously mentioned plugins, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a more traditional approach.
Conclusion
OTT multiband compression is a powerful tool, whether you’re looking to add depth, clarity, or punch to your tracks. Mastering the use of OTT can significantly enhance your production quality and give your music that professional edge.
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