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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 Kylie Minogue uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Kylie Minogue

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on Minogue's vocals for "Dancing", as stated by producer Sky Adams in this July 2018 Sound on Sound interview. An image of the settings can be found here.

"My vocal chain on the Kylie bus begins with a Logic Channel EQ, with a high?pass at 69Hz; I also boost 285Hz and 3100Hz. Next is the Waves CLA Vocals, with which I again boost some high end and add some compression, and a tiny bit of reverb; altogether it enhances the vocals a bit. The third plug?in is the Waves Butch Vig Vocals, with the de?esser and compressor both at 50 percent and adding some presence and air, all to give it some sharpness. For some reason Butch Vig gives a nice saturation and clarity on vocals, but I find that it only works on the Aston microphone. With every other mic I’ve used it tends to sound too distorted.

“The next plug?in is a Waves dbx 160 for some more compression, then the Waves SSL G?master bus compressor, set to a ratio of 2, attack 1 and release 3, and the Waves C4 multiband set to the Pensado preset, adding above 8kHz, the Waves API 560 EQ adding yet more high end, and the Waves RVox, with the compressor set to 4.2. I find that the RVox really helps to bring the vocal to the front.

“My main reverb in this session, which I used mostly on the vocals, and my favourite reverb in general, is the Toraverb. It’s really hard to find a good reverb, but I freaking love it, and I use it on almost everything. It has a wonderful tail off, and also a delay that works really well. ‘Crystal Cave’ is a favourite preset, which I use mainly on vocals. I don’t mind using the same reverb on everything, but in addition I sometimes use Logic’s Space Designer, which also has a great sound, and a wonderful tail that you can crank all the way up. The latest update, the Chronoverb, is amazing.”

See how Uwe Schmidt uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Uwe Schmidt

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"By listening to all the tracks in a row I can hear the mistakes, so I balance all the songs using a touch of EQ and Waves' C4 multi-band compressor to make it a bit more even."

See how Apashe uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Apashe

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Apashe references using the Waves C4 Multiband Compressor while preparing his "Battle Royale VIP" track.

See how Will K uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Will K

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 58:17 we can see Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

See how Arston uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Arston

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 54:44 see Waves C4 Multiband Compressor on vocals

See how Simon Alex uses Waves C4 Multiband Compressor

Simon Alex

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Instagram

Waves C4 is open in this picture

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 C4 Multiband Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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plextrovision

plextrovision

Gear IQ 89

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