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Average Price: $34

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$49

$150+

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your audio dynamics with the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate, a versatile plugin that brings professional-grade sound processing to your fingertips. This dynamic processor is not just a one-trick pony; it features three distinct modules: compressor/expander, gate/expander, and a filter/EQ section. Whether you're mixing a live performance or mastering a studio recording, the C1 offers precision and flexibility, allowing you to tailor your sound with unmatched clarity.

The split-band dynamics feature lets you focus on specific frequency ranges, giving you the power to enhance or isolate certain elements of your track. Integrated with both internal and external side-chaining capabilities, the C1 ensures you have the control you need to achieve the perfect mix. The look-ahead function further refines your sound by preserving transients, ensuring your audio remains crisp and clear.

Compatible with Native, SoundGrid, and TDM licenses, the Waves C1 fits seamlessly into various workflows, whether you're using MultiRack, StudioRack, or eMotion ST Mixer. With support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, this plugin is as powerful as it is precise, making it an essential tool for any serious audio engineer.

Key Features:

  • Three distinct modules: Compressor/Expander, Gate/Expander, and Filter/EQ
  • Split-band dynamics for targeted frequency processing
  • Internal and external side-chaining
  • Look-ahead feature for precise transient handling
  • Supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
  • Compatible with Native, SoundGrid, and TDM licenses
  • Mono and stereo components available

Owner's manual

Waves C1 Compressor / Gate User Manual

Product specs

Software Type Compressor
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, SoundGrid
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), 8GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Quad-core or higher (AVX required), 8GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.15.7 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later (21H2), 64-bit

FAQs

What are the main features of the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate plugin?

The Waves C1 Compressor / Gate offers three modules: Compressor/Expander, Gate/Expander, and Filter/EQ. It includes split-band dynamics, internal and external side-chaining (external for Pro Tools only), and a look-ahead feature for precision transient processing.

Is the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate compatible with my DAW?

The Waves C1 Compressor / Gate is compatible with DAWs that support AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it versatile for both Mac and PC users.

Can I use the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate on both Mac and PC?

Yes, the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate is compatible with both Mac (macOS 10.15.7 or later) and PC (Windows 10 or later, 64-bit), ensuring broad usability across platforms.

Does the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate support high-resolution audio?

Yes, the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate supports up to 24-bit 192kHz resolution for both Compressor and Gate modules, providing high-quality audio processing.

Does the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate offer sidechain capabilities?

Yes, the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate features both internal side-chaining and external side-chaining, with the latter available exclusively in Pro Tools.

5piece

5piece

How To Use A Gate On Vocals

Video thumbnail for How To Use A Gate On Vocals by 5piece

How To Use A Gate On Vocals

5piece

5piece

Video thumbnail for Mastering Tutorial -- Parallel Compression with Waves C1 by Waves Audio

Mastering Tutorial -- Parallel Compression with Waves C1

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for Mastering Audio in Logic - De-essing Vocals with Waves C1 Compressor by pointblank Music School

Mastering Audio in Logic - De-essing Vocals with Waves C1 Compressor

pointblank Music School

pointblank Music School

Video thumbnail for Waves C1 Compressor Tutorial - Compressor Gate (3/6) by Streamworks Audio

Waves C1 Compressor Tutorial - Compressor Gate (3/6)

Streamworks Audio

Streamworks Audio

Video thumbnail for 🛠️ Expert-Level Podcast Editing & Noise Reduction: the Must-Have Waves C1 Gate Plugin by Pod Sound School

🛠️ Expert-Level Podcast Editing & Noise Reduction: the Must-Have Waves C1 Gate Plugin

Pod Sound School

Pod Sound School

Video thumbnail for WAVES  C1 COMPRESSOR GATE plugin test and review by RBA-PRODUCTION

WAVES C1 COMPRESSOR GATE plugin test and review

RBA-PRODUCTION

RBA-PRODUCTION

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional side chain feature for precise control over vocal aggressiveness

  • Offers a fast attack option faster than 0.1ms, unique in its category

  • Maintains transparency while effectively managing vocal dynamics

  • Suitable for both home studios and professional environments

  • Excellent for creating a balanced mix of analog warmth and digital precision

CONS

  • Lacks the analog warmth that some users prefer for vocals

  • Not considered magical or distinctive on vocals by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves C1 Compressor / Gate.

Software and compatibility

  • Waves Central may install the WavesShell in a non-standard location, requiring manual directory pointing in FL Studio for proper plugin recognition.

    Source
  • Switching to 32-bit versions of both FL Studio and the plugin may resolve compatibility issues for some users.

    Source
  • Some users prefer FabFilter Pro-MB for multiband compression but consider C4 as a viable alternative within the Waves suite for budget reasons.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Resolving plugin disappearance may involve uninstalling and reinstalling the license package, followed by multiple PC restarts.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users encounter authentication issues with WavesShell, which may be resolved by using a USB key for authentication instead.

    Source
  • Despite frustrations with WavesShell, users frequently praise Waves' support team for their effectiveness and pleasant interactions.

    Source
  • In discussions of Waves plugins for drums, C1 is consistently mentioned as an essential component, highlighting its reliability and effectiveness in drum contexts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The C1 Gate excels in both transparent control and extreme pumping or sidechain effects for synthesis applications.

    Source
  • Kramer Tape is noted for its pronounced "head bump" and extreme saturation effects, especially at the 7.5 ips setting for enhancing 808 kicks.

    Source
  • The C1 Compressor/Gate is a staple for drum mixing, often used alongside H-EQ and C4 Multiband Compressor for comprehensive dynamic processing and tonal shaping.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Logic's stock compressor, RCompressor is favored for its flexibility and use in dynamic range compression.

    Source
  • C1 is a preferred choice over other compressors for drum processing, especially when limited to Waves plugins due to budget constraints.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Warm setting on RCompressor is particularly praised for enhancing bass guitar and drums.

    Source
  • L2 is favored for quick pseudomastering and transparent transient shaving on jangly acoustic guitars when used conservatively.

    Source
  • API 2500 is often applied on master bus or drum submixes for its effective analog compression characteristics.

    Source
  • The C1 Compressor/Gate is frequently used in drum mixing, praised for its versatility across various instruments.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonas Blue uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Jonas Blue

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:07 Jonas Blue is using this plugin

See how Oak Felder uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Oak Felder

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Sound On Sound magazine titled "Oak Felder - Recording Demi Lovato's 'Sorry Not Sorry'," Oak Felder is shown using the Waves C1 Compressor/Gate plugin.

See how Mr. Belt & Wezol uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Mr. Belt & Wezol

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:54 you can see this used in his mixer channel

See how Leslie Brathwaite uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Leslie Brathwaite

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 3:59 see Waves C1 Compressor

See how MJ Cole uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

MJ Cole

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 18:20 in the video titled "MJ Cole: In the studio with a UK garage legend – FROM THE ARCHIVE (2017)" by MusicRadar Tech, MJ Cole is shown demonstrating the use of the Waves C1 Compressor / Gate plugin within the Ride plugin library.

See how Denis Kenzo uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Denis Kenzo

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "#Muz Кухня выпуск 45" by MUZBIZNESOFFICIAL, Denis Kenzo is shown using the Waves C1 Compressor/Gate on a vocal atmosphere track.

See how Crisis Era uses Waves C1 Compressor / Gate

Crisis Era

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

1:31 Presents Waves C1

Album Usage

The Waves C1 Compressor / Gate has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves C1 Compressor / Gate, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    michael

    Gear IQ 42641