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Description

Unlock a new realm of dynamic control with the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor. This versatile plug-in, perfect for both single-signal and sum processing, elevates your audio production with its four parametric bands. Tailor your mix with precision, thanks to integrated up and down expansion, limiting, and compression capabilities. Derived from the renowned Renaissance Compressor and C1 Parametric Compander, the C4 offers unparalleled transparency and control.

Whether you're sculpting vocal frequencies or accentuating nuanced drum kit elements, the C4 delivers with finesse. The inclusion of dynamic and standard EQ ensures you can shape your mix dynamically, using frequency-based compression and expansion to achieve the exact sound profile you desire. The ARC Auto Release Control further enhances your workflow, providing optimal release times for each band, improving both ease and efficiency.

Supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz, the C4 Multiband Compressor is compatible with a range of platforms including MultiRack Native, MultiRack SoundGrid, and StudioRack, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup. Its ability to handle both mono and stereo components makes it a flexible choice for any studio environment.

Key Features:

  • Four parametric bands for precise frequency control
  • Up and down expansion, limiting, and compression
  • Dynamic and standard EQ for shaping audio
  • ARC Auto Release Control for optimal release times
  • Supports sample rates up to 192 kHz
  • Compatible with MultiRack Native, MultiRack SoundGrid, and more
  • Mono and stereo components for versatile use

Owner's manual

Waves C4 Multiband Compressor User Manual

Product specs

Available since October 2016
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Delay No
Dynamics Yes
Effect Filter No
Encoder/Decoder No
Equalizer No
Guitar amps/-effects No
Channel Strip No
Metering / Analysis / Correction No
Modulation Effects No
Multieffect / Plugin-Host No
Overdrive/Distortion No
Preamp / Saturation No
Psychoacoustic tool / Enhancer / Exciter No
Restauration No
Reverb No
Special FX No
Summer / Mixing Consoles No
Tape Simulation No
Pitch Shifter / Harmonizer / Timestretching No
Transient Processing No
Vocoder / Vocal effect No
Mastering Tools Yes
Hardware Controller No
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FAQs

What are the main features of the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor?

The Waves C4 Multiband Compressor offers four bands of dynamics processing, including up and down expansion, limiting, and compression. It also features dynamic and standard EQ, making it a versatile tool for detailed sound shaping.

Is the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor suitable for mastering?

Yes, the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor is suitable for mastering. It provides precise control over multiple frequency bands, allowing for detailed dynamics processing and tonal balancing in the mastering stage.

How does the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor differ from the Waves C6?

The Waves C4 provides four frequency bands for dynamics processing, while the Waves C6 offers six bands, including two additional floating bands for more selective frequency control.

Can the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor be used for live sound applications?

Yes, the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor can be used for live sound applications, offering precise multiband dynamics control to manage complex audio environments effectively.

Is the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor compatible with all major DAWs?

The Waves C4 Multiband Compressor is compatible with most major DAWs, as it is available in common plugin formats such as VST, AU, and AAX. Always check specific DAW compatibility before purchasing.

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Using Multiband Compression on the Master Fader

Video thumbnail for Using Multiband Compression on the Master Fader by Waves Audio

Using Multiband Compression on the Master Fader

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Video thumbnail for waves C4 tutorial by questo257

waves C4 tutorial

questo257

questo257

Video thumbnail for Mixing A Lead Vocal Using Waves C4 Multiband Compressor Plug-in by Production Expert

Mixing A Lead Vocal Using Waves C4 Multiband Compressor Plug-in

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for C4 Multiband Compressor Overview with FOH Engineer Horace Ward by Waves Audio

C4 Multiband Compressor Overview with FOH Engineer Horace Ward

Waves Audio

Waves Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Powerful and flexible, outshines other Waves plugins

  • Allows separate treatment of lows, mids, and highs

  • Excellent for vocals, drums, and overall mix

  • Simple interface, easy to navigate without unnecessary extras

  • High-quality sound at an affordable price

  • Versatile for both guitar groups and master bus

  • Efficient for cleaning up muddy mixes

  • Contains useful presets and features

  • Acts like a Swiss Army knife for audio processing

CONS

  • Steep learning curve for beginners

  • Easy to misuse and potentially ruin a mix

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waves C4 Multiband Compressor.

Comparisons

  • Users highlight the Fabfilter Pro-MB as an intuitive, powerful, and transparent alternative to the Waves C4 for multiband compression needs.

    Source
  • The UAD Precision Multiband is noted as preferred for vocals over the C4, but it's significantly more expensive than the C6, making it a less accessible option for hobbyists.

    Source
  • Softube Weiss DS1 MK3 is highlighted as superior for de-essing and overall compression compared to C4, though it's noted to be complex.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Harrison Multiband Compressor is included in some SSL subscriptions, offering an alternative for those with access to SSL tools.

    Source
  • Ozone 11 EQ is suggested for those seeking a free multiband dynamics solution, though it's noted for not being low latency.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • TDR Nova, set as a dynamic EQ, is recommended for controlling guitar low end, offering dual functionality as an EQ and compressor.

    Source
  • Multiband compression is frequently used in metal music for palm mute control, but multiband gates might be more effective for this specific application.

    Source
  • Multiband compression like C4 is primarily used for corrective tasks, such as addressing inconsistent vocal volumes and frequencies due to octave changes or room resonance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Waves' free StudioRack plugin allows for audio splitting across bands, enabling users to apply various compressors like the Softube Summit on individual bands.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Toneboosters offers a free, full-function demo with a reasonable purchase price, praised for its cost-effectiveness and quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ is described as a powerful but complex tool, combining compressor and EQ functionalities, making it a versatile but challenging option for users.

    Source
  • C4's crossover frequency bands can always affect the signal, even when not actively compressing, making it crucial to toggle the plugin on/off to hear its baseline impact.

    Source
  • Slower attack times in C4's low-frequency bands help preserve transients, preventing the loss of low-end punch, especially crucial for kick drums.

    Source

User experience

  • The Waves Enigma and Doubler plugins are praised for adding unique modulation effects to metal guitar tracks, offering creative possibilities in parallel send busses.

    Source
  • Some users find multiband compression challenging, often using it as a last resort for problematic audio rather than a go-to tool for vocals.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
liam_phillips

Mud = Gone

If mixes are muddy, or you are trying to surgically remove a frequency without destroying it with EQ, check out the C4 compressor. You won't be dissapointed.

naartjie_official

Get IT!!

There is some really neat features on this plugin..GET IT

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Photo

This Snapshot was taken from the Deadmau5 Masterclass, proving that Deadmau5 is using this Plugin

See how Dyro uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Dyro

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, from 3:42 to 3:45, Dyro is using the C4 Multiband Compressor in FL Studio.

See how Wolfgang Gartner uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Wolfgang Gartner

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook video, Wolfgang Gartner is seen using the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor while working on a collaboration with Trina.

See how Noisia uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Noisia

Music Producer

Noisia & Pacific

...
Verified via Dogsonacid

"waves bundle fx are very good, we use the C4, the Rcomp, the REQ and the L2 a lot"

See how 3LAU uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

3LAU

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This Plugin can be seen at 1:08 in this YouTube video.

See how Deniz Koyu uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Deniz Koyu

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 58:52 in this "Steinberg Studio Sessions EP10 - Deniz Koyu" video Deniz used it.

See how Beyoncé uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Beyoncé

Singer

Destiny’s Child

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "Apeshit", as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

The first four aux tracks feature SoundToys effects, namely Little Microshift, two EchoBoy delays, and a delay from the Little PrimalTap. Next are a Hall Reverb aux and a Church Reverb aux, both using Waves’ RVerb, an EMT plate from Audio Ease’s Altiverb, four aux tracks with the Waves H-Delay and various other plug-ins on them as well, and four more reverb auxes with the Avid Revibe II, two Avid D-Verbs and another RVerb.

White: “I use the Little Microshift in pretty much every mix, with the left-right micro pitch-shift effect that’s similar to the classic effect in the Eventide H3000 shift where you pitch one side down six cents and one side up six cents to create width. It’s a good way to get your vocals wider without them being out of phase. It thickens up vocals, and is kind of like a doubler. I do quite a lot of filtering on some of the EchoBoy delays, for example with the Waves REQ, and I am adding colour with the SoundToys Devil-Loc, which is great if you want to colour the delay so it is separate from the main vocal, and compress it with the UAD LA3A and mix that in to taste.”

(...) Beyoncé’s lead vocal tracks consist of three aux tracks, four ‘dirty’ and eight ‘clean’ audio tracks. The audio tracks only have the EQ3 on the inserts and a few of them have a send to the Church Reverb. All White’s processing is done on the three aux tracks. “All lead vocals are sent to the ‘B Aux’ track and the ‘B Parra Aux’ tracks. On the former I have the McDSP DS [sic] 555 de-esser. I use the Waves de-esser the most, but in this particular track, because I wanted to compress her voice really hard, I felt that the 555 would work the best. I am rolling off until 6144Hz into what it is detecting; it’s like a side-chain filter. The FabFilter Pro-DS is doing a little more gentle look-ahead de-essing.

“After that there’s some pretty heavy EQ from the EQ3, with a high-pass at 142Hz, a 9dB cut at 244Hz and a 2dB cut at 3kHz. My cut at 244Hz is because she is singing in this husky, low voice, so there’s not a lot of energy in that. I get the energy from the RComp compression, and the EQs, including from the SSL E-Channel, are there to make her sit in the track, rather than making it sound filtered. I love the RComp, mainly because it doesn’t sound like compression to me. The SSL E-Channel adds a bit more compression, and the [Crane Song] Phoenix II Tape Emulation is really cool because while it doesn’t actually sound like tape, it smoothes out transients in a signal just like much analogue equipment does. It enables me to get a fatter vocal sound that again makes the vocal sit in the mix. The final EQ3 has a notch at 3.2kHz to take out some harshness. I also have sends to the Verb aux track, which are the D-Verb and [Waves] H-Reverb, and the Delay 1-4 aux, with the EchoBoy.

The other aux track, ‘B Parra Aux’, is a parallel compression track, with the RCompressor and the CLA 76, which I mixed in low. Both these aux tracks then go to the ‘LD ALL Aux’, on which I’m doing some more surgery with the McDSP AE400 [dynamic EQ], which allows you to set a threshold, just like on a compressor. It’s like turning a volume knob down on a frequency the moment it gets out of control. Finally, there’s the Waves C4, for some control, to keep the vocal even. This track has a lot of energy, so this is an example of using compression for energy, mood and attitude. I also worked a long time to get the compression on Bey’s breaths to pump on the beat. I wanted her breaths to be another percussive element in the track, and getting the attack and release on the compressor right was key to getting that feel and pumping effect.”

Five of the 22 Beyoncé ad lib, backing and harmony vocals below her lead vocals also go to the above-mentioned aux tracks, while the rest have their own signal chains. These audio tracks are sent to several aux tracks, often with tons of plug-ins, and all aux vocal tracks in the end get sent to the ‘Voc All’ group aux right at the top of the session, which has an RCompressor, with ratio at 10:1. There are more group aux tracks, like ‘TrackAux’, ‘FX Voc Aux’, ‘FX’ and ‘Music Aux’, which all get sent to the ‘All Aux’. This in turn gets sent to the ‘no limiter’ mix print track, and finally there’s a Stereo Master track.

See how Jay-Z uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Jay-Z

Rapper, Music Producer

Roc-A-Fella Family

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "APESHIT", as stated by producer Stuart White in this September 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

The first four aux tracks feature SoundToys effects, namely Little Microshift, two EchoBoy delays, and a delay from the Little PrimalTap. Next are a Hall Reverb aux and a Church Reverb aux, both using Waves’ RVerb, an EMT plate from Audio Ease’s Altiverb, four aux tracks with the Waves H-Delay and various other plug-ins on them as well, and four more reverb auxes with the Avid Revibe II, two Avid D-Verbs and another RVerb.

White: “I use the Little Microshift in pretty much every mix, with the left-right micro pitch-shift effect that’s similar to the classic effect in the Eventide H3000 shift where you pitch one side down six cents and one side up six cents to create width. It’s a good way to get your vocals wider without them being out of phase. It thickens up vocals, and is kind of like a doubler. I do quite a lot of filtering on some of the EchoBoy delays, for example with the Waves REQ, and I am adding colour with the SoundToys Devil-Loc, which is great if you want to colour the delay so it is separate from the main vocal, and compress it with the UAD LA3A and mix that in to taste.”

(...) Jay-Z’s part consists of just two tracks, one lead, and one ad-lib, with an additional ‘reverse’ track, and a ‘jay clean’ track. White: “The main lead vocal track has the SSL E0-channel, Waves C4 multiband compressor for some control, FabFilter Pro-Q2 EQ, with a few notches, and McDSP AE400. Where Jay raps ‘Tell the Grammy’s fuck that 0 for 8 shit / have you ever seen a crowd goin’ apeshit?’, you can hear some stuff in the background, which is another example of me adding flair and energy. That actually comes from the third ‘Voice Sample’ track further up the session, on which I have some automated plug-ins, the ReVibe, Waves S1 Imager, and filter sweep from the EQ3. It’s subtle, but it gives you a little ear candy.”

See how Ken Andrews uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Ken Andrews

Singer, Guitarist

Failure

...
Verified via Soundonsound

I had the Waves C4 multi-band compressor on the bass track. That plug-in is a big part of my workflow. It's incredible, I love it. You can tame a track that has a few unruly moments with this plug-in and you're not hearing it work, because it's multi-band.

Sound on Sound article, 2013.

See how Butch Vig uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Butch Vig

Drummer, Music Producer

Garbage

...
Verified via Headlinermagazine

"I am always using the Waves CLA-76 compressor, and the C4 compressor; and I am a huge fan of the Renaissance AXX, especially on guitars – it’s great on electrics, but it’s absolutely phenomenal on acoustics; it’s a really nice, idiot-proof compressor – so straightforward to use. Also, something I call up all the time, especially when Shirley is doing her vocal in the studio, is the Waves RVOX. It works so good. For a fast compressor, you literally just put it on, and pull the threshold down, so it’s kicking down 4 or 5dB, and the peaks are 6dB, and it helps it sit right in the track. Again, it’s just really, really musical, as is all of the Waves kit."

See how AJRBrothers uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

AJRBrothers

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Twitter

Can be seen being used at 0:55

See how 7 Skies uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

7 Skies

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

in this video you can see the Waves C4 running in the top left corner of the screen (you know it's the C4 because of the limited amount of channels in the plugin)

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Waves C4 Multiband Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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