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An introduction to Metric Halo MH MultibandExpander v4, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Multiband Expander is a processor to manage, suppress and control noise in your tracks in a frequency-sensitive way.
— Metric Halo official site
What is MH MultibandExpander v4?
MH Multiband Expander v4 is a processor from Metric Halo for managing, suppressing and controlling noise in a frequency-sensitive way. The maker presents it with the tagline "Expand your horizons."
A phase-coherent 3-band crossover splits the audio into three independent expanders, each smoothly lowering sound below a threshold you set for that band.
The expanders can also change the feel of rhythmic patterns by suppressing elements played more softly. The maker highlights its use for noise and hum in guitar tracks, where you can attack the noise more aggressively than the wanted signal.
Built-in SpectraFoo spectral analysis helps you find crossover points and thresholds quickly and with confidence. The maker notes it may not be essential for every mix, but is valuable when needed.
Three independent expanders
Low, mid and high bands each have their own expander and threshold. It may suit noise that sits in one range.
Phase-coherent crossover
The three-band crossover is phase coherent, designed to keep the sound continuous after splitting.
Linking between bands
Comprehensive band linking lets settings move together, which cuts per-band adjustment work.
Dynamic transfer display
A dynamic transfer function display shows the overall response, so you can see how much is reduced at each level.
SpectraFoo spectrum analysis
You can set crossover points and thresholds while watching the spectrum. The graph display can be opened and closed.
Gain-reduction meters and presets
Scalable gain-reduction meters and many presets are included, and the UI can be resized.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bands | 3 (low / mid / high) |
| Formats | AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native |
| macOS | macOS 10.10 or newer (Intel or Apple Silicon; AU, VST 2/3 or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Windows | Windows 7 or newer (Intel processor; VST or AAX; 64-bit) |
| Licensing | An iLok.com account is required for licensing (an iLok dongle is optional; iLok Cloud also works). One license covers both platforms and includes two activations |
What is included and system requirements
- MH Multiband Expander v4 plugin (AU, VST2, VST3, AAX Native)
- Presets
- MH Preset Manager
- SpectraFoo spectrum analysis (built in)
- A free, fully functional 30-day trial is offered on the maker's site
How to use it
- Create an iLok.com account and register your license.
- Install and rescan plugins in your DAW.
- Insert MH Multiband Expander v4 on the track with the noise problem.
- While playing back, look for the noise range in the SpectraFoo display.
- Move the crossover points so the noisy range is isolated in a band.
- Raise that band's threshold gradually to lower the noise.
- Check the overall response in the dynamic transfer display.
- Use band linking where useful and compare with A/B snapshots.
Noise and hum on guitar
The maker's lead example; when noise sits in a particular range, you may be able to lower that range more strongly.
Cleaning up recordings
It may suit lowering noise left in the quiet parts of home-recorded vocals or instruments, band by band.
Changing rhythmic feel
The maker describes suppressing softly played elements to change the feel of a rhythm pattern.
Post-production
It could be useful for treating noise in recorded material band by band.
Who it may suit
- People with band-limited noise in guitar or other recordings
- People who want to treat noise band by band
- People who like to set thresholds while watching a spectrum
Good to know before you buy
- An iLok.com account is required for authorization.
- Supported on 64-bit macOS 10.10 or newer and Windows 7 or newer.
- It succeeds the earlier v3 Multiband Expander and is also part of the Production Bundle.
- v4 adds VST3 on both macOS and Windows, including Apple Silicon native support, so it runs in major VST hosts such as Cubase and Nuendo.
- Shared v4 additions include undo/redo, A/B snapshots with snapshot blend, common header-bar controls, and copy-and-paste of settings between plugin instances.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
MH TransientControl v4
Multiband Expander v4 uses three-band expanders to suppress noise and is listed at $179. TransientControl v4 adjusts attack and sustain with three gains and is also listed at $179.
Price
$179 (Metric Halo official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See MH MultibandExpander v4 on the product page
Sources: minet.jp mhsecure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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