BandMatrix
Key Features
- Six independent compression and expansion bands with per-band key source selection: internal signal, external sidechain, mix bus, or any other band
- Flexible sidechain routing enables frequency-targeted ducking, inter-band dynamics control, and de-essing without extra plugins
- Per-band attack, release, sharpness, and depth controls with individual gain adjustment and stereo linking
- Switchable peak and RMS detection modes plus lookahead and auto-gain for precise level management
- Mid/side processing with solo and listen functions for isolating and fine-tuning individual bands
- Tone Shaper mode for reshaping spectral balance across the multiband compression matrix
- Parallel processing support with a resizable interface window
Description
BandMatrix by Kojima Audio is a multi-band dynamics processor that splits incoming audio into six independent bands, each with its own compressor and expander. What sets it apart from conventional multiband compressors is a flexible key routing system that lets you drive each band from the internal signal, an external sidechain input, the overall mix, or any other band.
This routing opens up techniques that normally require multiple plugins chained together. You can duck just the low band of a bass track from a kick drum without touching the mids and highs, tame harshness by having one band control another, or set up a standard de-esser targeting a narrow frequency range.
Each band provides attack, release, sharpness, and depth controls alongside per-band gain and stereo linking. Detection can switch between peak and RMS modes, and a lookahead option with optional auto-gain keeps levels consistent across settings.
The plugin operates in stereo or mid/side mode with solo and listen functions for isolating individual bands during tweaking. A dedicated Tone Shaper mode reshapes the spectral balance within the multiband compression matrix, useful for broad tonal adjustments on mix buses or during mastering.
Version 1.8.0 adds parallel processing support. BandMatrix is available as VST3, AU, and AAX on macOS 11 or later, with VST3 and AAX builds for Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BandMatrix's key routing differ from a standard multiband compressor?
Most multiband compressors detect and compress each band based on that band's own signal level. BandMatrix lets you choose a different key source for each of its six bands — the internal signal, an external sidechain input, the overall mix, or any other band. This means you can have a kick drum duck only the low band of a bass track while leaving the mids and highs untouched, or use a harsh frequency band to automatically tame the presence range.
Can BandMatrix be used as a de-esser?
Yes. By isolating a narrow high-frequency band and compressing it based on its own level or an external signal, BandMatrix functions as a standard de-esser. The per-band sharpness and depth controls let you dial in how aggressively sibilance is attenuated without affecting the rest of the vocal spectrum.
What is Tone Shaper mode?
Tone Shaper mode adjusts the spectral balance within the multiband compression matrix. Rather than compressing dynamics, it reshapes the tonal profile of the signal, making it useful for broad spectral corrections on mix buses or during mastering where you want to balance frequency energy without introducing heavy gain reduction.
Does BandMatrix support mid/side processing?
Yes. BandMatrix can operate in mid/side mode, processing the center and sides of the stereo image independently across all six bands. It also includes solo and listen functions so you can isolate individual bands and monitor exactly what each compressor stage is doing.
