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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 Norah Jones uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Norah Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Puss N Boots

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used on vocals for the The Fall Tour, as stated by FOH engineer Brett Dicus in this July 9, 2010 Mix Online interview.

Onboard plug-ins include Waves C4 (vocals/bass), McDSP, Elysia, Crane Song and Flux. “These give me the control I need to consistently adapt to the wide range of rooms we are playing,” Dicus explains.

See how SZA uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

SZA

Singer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on SZA's vocals for "All the Stars", as stated by producer Matt Schaeffer in this May 2018 Sound on Sound interview.

There are 12 SZA vocal audio tracks in total: two for the main hook, one second verse lead track, and nine verse backing tracks, which in fact provide emphasis and overdubs of single words. All SZA audio tracks have the Antares Auto-Tune 8.1 plug-in, the two hook tracks each also have the FabFilter Pro-Q2 equaliser, and the main SZA verse track also has a de-esser, while the backing vocals have two instances of the Waves RVerb and one of the same company’s H-Delay. Apart from Auto-Tune, most of the processing is done on the ‘SZA ?’ aux, to which all SZA audio tracks are sent.

Schaeffer: “The inserts of the sum track for SZA’s vocals consist of the EQ3 seven-band, Waves RComp, UAD Pultec EQP1A, UAD 1176E, Waves De-Esser, UAD LA2A, another Waves De-Esser, the Pro-Q2, yet another Waves De-Esser and the SoundToys MicroShift. The De-Essers affect 11400Hz, 15032Hz and 2000Hz respectively. I like stacking de-essers set to different frequencies. It works like narrow multiband compression. Sometimes I will in fact use a multiband compressor, like the Waves C4, but if the vocals have very specific harsh frequencies, I prefer to use several de-essers. They also are helpful as I like boosting high frequencies in vocals; here, the EQP1A boosts 16kHz. The EQ3 has a high-pass at 216Hz and cuts at 695Hz, and the Q2 lowers the high end to some degree. When a frequency bothers me, I usually sweep through [with a band set temporarily to boost] to find the frequency and then I cut. The MicroShift provides a little extra width and a slight ambience with the delay parameter, without actually making the vocal sound too stereo.

“The sends go to auxes called ‘SZA Verb’ and ‘DVerb’, both of which have the DVerb and EQ3 seven-band, two ‘SZA Delays’ with the Waves H-Delay, and the ‘SZA Chamber’, which has the Waves RVerb and again the EQ3 seven-band. I put an EQ after the reverb, because I don’t like too much low end in reverb. You get a cleaner sound by taking it out, and you make space for actual instruments to take up that spectrum. The delays are both set to eighth note, and one of them is set to ping-pong delay and also is automated to only come in on certain places.”

See how Eddie Thoneick uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Eddie Thoneick

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Eddie uses the C4 Multiband Compressor by Waves for the guitar in his track.

See how Jonas Blue uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Jonas Blue

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 40:46 Jonas Blue is using this Plugin

See how Michael Stipe uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Michael Stipe

Singer

R.E.M.

...
Verified via EMusician

“During the recording I really didn’t use much processing at all,” Candiloro states. “On fitting his vocal in the mix, most of what I wanted to hear was his voice naturally. Every so often I used a Waves C4 multi-band compressor if I needed to pull certain frequencies out. With less heavy compression I could get the vocal to breath a little bit more. We were on the SSL 9000J but I didn’t use their compressor, I was using an [Universal Audio] LA-2A. With Pro Tools you can do some quick automation and it’s always going to sound more natural than compressing the life out of something just to get it to cut through. Michael likes plate reverb on his voice, so we used that too.”

See how Oak Felder uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Oak Felder

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video interview with Sound On Sound magazine, Oak Felder discusses using the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor while recording Demi Lovato's "Sorry Not Sorry."

See how Martin Jensen uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Martin Jensen

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

in this instagram post martin jensen is seen using the waves c4 in his mix.

See how Lil Tecca uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Lil Tecca

Rapper

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on vocals for "Ransom", as mentioned by mix engineer Joseph Colmenero in this November 2019 Sound on Sound interview.

"Many of the plug-ins on the vocal tracks came with the session. The vocal audio tracks all have Antares Auto-Tune Pro because the session came with Auto-Tune Live, and I didn't have my licence with me, so I put Auto-Tune Pro on. Without seeing the Live plug-in I had to use my ears to make sure that the settings were exactly right. They had recorded Tecca's vocals with Auto-Tune on, playing Auto-Tune like an instrument.

"All audio tracks go to the LeadVox bus, on which there is a stack of plug-ins. Again many of them came with the session. The chain starts with the Waves Q6 EQ, the FabFilter Pro-C2 compressor, then a Waves SSL Channel, two Waves De-Essers, a Waves RVox used as a noise gate, the SoundToys Decapitator for vibe, and a Waves C4 to bang down some peak frequencies. There's a track with distant ad-libs that goes to the Harmony Vox aux, which has some similar plug-ins, and adds a D-Verb for some extra reverb. There are sends on the vocal busses to the reverb aux, with the Waves RVerb, and delay quarter-note aux, with the Waves H-Delay. I also have the Avid EQ7 before the reverb, to take out the low end and high end. You don't want to have esses all over your reverb. The other two aux tracks that I did not use are part of the producer's template."

See how Andy Sneap uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Andy Sneap

Guitarist, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Hardcore Music Studio

Presets shared by Andy Sneap for guitars.

See how Cardi B uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Cardi B

Rapper

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Cardi B's vocals for "Bodak Yellow", as mentioned by mix engineer Evan LaRay in this February 2018 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the "VOX 1" settings can be found here.

In his mix of ‘Bodak Yellow’, Evan LaRay used almost identical vocal chains on two auxiliary busses. The ‘Vox 1’ chain includes FabFilter’s Pro-DS de-esser and Waves’ C4 multiband compressor, plus the Waves CLA Vocals plug-in and SoundToys’ Decapitator saturation processor.

See how John Christian uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

John Christian

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video he shows how he uses the Waves c4

See how Jerome Isma-Ae uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Jerome Isma-Ae

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Jerome Isma-Ae can be seen using Waves C4 in the master channel in this photo he uploaded on his Facebook.

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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plextrovision

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