Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Waves C4 Multiband Compressor | The Swiss Army Knife for Precision Audio Sculpting

The Waves C4 Multiband Compressor is more than just a plugin; it's the ultimate tool used in studios and post-production facilities worldwide to solve the most challenging audio problems. As a time-tested classic, the C4 perfectly combines compression, expansion, limiting, a dynamic equalizer, and a standard equalizer, allowing you to edit both the dynamics and frequency response of your audio with unprecedented precision and ease. Whether your goal is to fix recording imperfections, add punch to a track, or shape a unique sonic character, the C4 provides the most flexible and powerful solution. It is a true multiband compressor, bringing endless possibilities to your mixing workflow.

Unlike other rigid multiband dynamics processors on the market, the C4 is like a sonic chameleon, capable of flexibly adjusting its processing methods and functions based on your specific needs and the characteristics of the track. From delicate vocal processing to complex drum deconstruction and final mastering, the C4 handles it all with ease. It's not just a powerful mixing plugin, but also a dynamic equalizer capable of precise frequency correction. Through its intuitive interface and exclusive parameter design, even complex multiband processing tasks become easy and efficient, freeing your creativity from tool limitations.

Key Advantages & Use Cases

Precise Drum Deconstruction and Reshaping
Take full control of every element within your drum loops or drum bus. You can independently limit the kick drum, use expansion to tighten the tails of the toms, compress the high-frequency cymbals, or inject energy into the snare with upward expansion—all while making overall EQ adjustments.

Exclusive Range Parameter Simplifies Dynamic Editing
The C4 features Waves' exclusive Range parameter, which defines the maximum amount of gain change (positive or negative), while the Threshold parameter sets the point at which the gain change begins. The combination of these two parameters makes editing complex dynamics processors simpler and more intuitive than ever, allowing you to quickly achieve your desired dynamic shape.

Unparalleled Equalizer Functionality
At its core, the C4 is also an extremely powerful four-band equalizer. It features variable center frequencies and Q, allowing each band to be set as broad and smooth or narrow and sharp. The crossover slopes are also adjustable, from gentle to steep. More importantly, you can apply dynamic processing to any or all of the bands, achieving true dynamic EQ.

Flexible Release Characteristics
Choose the most suitable Release mode for your audio material. You can select a Vintage-style mode, similar to an optical compressor, for a smooth and natural release curve; or choose a mode that accelerates with the audio's decay for a faster response. Of course, you can also set it to Auto-Release and let the plugin handle everything for you.

Professional Artist Presets to Speed Up Your Workflow
Multiband processors can often be time-consuming due to their complexity, but the C4 comes with over 50 presets meticulously crafted by top mixing engineers, including industry masters like Dave Pensado, Ross Hogarth, Dave Aron, and Scott Gershin. With just a few clicks, you can find a near-perfect starting point for your sound, significantly boosting your workflow efficiency.

Tech Specs

• Plugin Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX Native, AudioSuite
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• Channel Modes: Mono-to-Mono, Mono-to-Stereo, Stereo
• Latency: 64 samples at 44.1/48 kHz
• Controller Support: Supported by all Waves hardware controllers and compatible MIDI controllers
• System Requirements (Mac): macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14; Intel Core i7 / i9 / Xeon-W / Apple M1, M2, M3; 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)
• System Requirements (Windows): Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11; Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon (Gen 5+) / AMD Quad-Core; 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)