OTT (Multiband Compressor)

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OTT (Multiband Compressor) is an upwards/downwards compressor that was first introduced as a preset for the multiband dynamics audio effect in Ableton Live. The multiband dynamics audio effect was originally designed to be primarily for mastering, however because of the sound it offers OTT has become very popular in dance music as a tool for mixing, mastering, and sound design. Even though OTT was originally a preset exclusive to Ableton Live, Xfer Records has released their own version of the compressor as a plugin to be used in other digital audio workstations. Since the release of Xfer Records OTT plugin, OTT has become an integral part of sound design in dance music.

Ableton Audio Effect

OTT is currently offered as a preset for the multiband dynamics audio effect in Ableton Live. The multiband dynamics effect is primarily designed to be used for mastering, more specifically for controlling the dynamic range of the audio signal the effect is processing. The effect does this by using a combination of downward compression and upward compression. Typically a compressor reduces the volume of audio signal that reaches a volume above a threshold by a given ratio. The compressor reduces any part of the audio signal that is louder than the threshold. The amount of reduction is dictated by the ratio given to the compressor. This type of compression is called downward compression. Upward compression raises the volume of audio signal below the threshold to reduce the dynamic range of the processed audio. While the maximum volume of audio signal processed through upward compression will remain the same, the dynamic range of the signal will be reduced because the volume of the signal below the threshold will be raised closer to the maximum volume of the audio signal. OTT works by first processing audio as an upward compressor and then as a downward compressor. The effect of this type of processing is a very harsh compressed sound.

Xfer Records Plugin

Xfer Records also offers a version of OTT as an audio effect plugin that can be used in digital audio workstations other than Ableton Live. The functionality of the plugin is the same as the OTT preset found in Ableton live, offering upward compression of audio signal followed by downward compression. The Xfer Records plugin has the same name as the Ableton Live preset. Also the visual layout of the plugin is very similar to the Live audio effect.

Use In Dance Music

An important aspect of OTT is how widely used it is amongst dance music producers. Many notable dance music producers such as Seven Lions and Virtual Riot have used this plugin in various live streams and photos they’ve posted to social media.

OTT (Multiband Compressor)

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