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Description

Step into the world of dynamic sound shaping with the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin—a perfect blend of analog warmth and digital precision. This compressor is a favorite among musicians and sound engineers who crave the nostalgic punch of vintage gear combined with the versatility of modern technology. Whether you're looking to emulate the smooth behavior of an opto-compressor or the crisp control of a solid-state device, this plugin has you covered with its dual compression modes: Vintage Opto and Modern Electro.

Designed to enhance your audio projects, the Renaissance Compressor features an internal brickwall limiter that ensures your output remains distortion-free even when you push it to the limits. Its Auto Release Control (ARC) system is engineered for seamless gain reduction, allowing you to achieve increased RMS levels effortlessly. With support for up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, your sound retains its pristine quality, whether you're working in mono or stereo.

This plugin doesn't just stop at providing exceptional audio quality; its user-friendly interface means you can dive straight into your creative process without getting bogged down by complicated settings. Ideal for both seasoned professionals and aspiring producers, the Waves Renaissance Compressor is your go-to tool for achieving that classic warm compression with modern flexibility.

Key Features:

  • Vintage Opto and Modern Electro compression modes
  • Internal brickwall limiting for clip-free output
  • Auto Release Control (ARC) for increased RMS levels
  • Double precision bit resolution processing
  • Up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
  • Mono and Stereo components

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 key features of the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin?

The Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin features classic warm compression and expansion with an optimized interface, integrating technologies from the C1-Compressor/Gate and L1 Ultramaximizer. It also includes Waves' ARC (Auto Release Control) technology for effective dynamic control.

Is the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Waves Renaissance Compressor supports AAX Native, AudioSuite, VST, AU, and SoundGrid formats, making it compatible with most popular DAWs on both Mac and PC platforms.

Can the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin be used on both Mac and PC?

Yes, the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin is compatible with both Mac (macOS 10.15.7 or later) and PC (Windows 10 or later, 64-bit) systems, meeting specific hardware and software requirements.

What are the system requirements for running the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin on a Mac?

For Mac, the Waves Renaissance Compressor requires macOS 10.15.7 or later, an Intel Core i7 or higher (M1 support), and at least 8GB of RAM.

Does the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin offer any unique sound characteristics?

While it's not primarily a character compressor, the Waves Renaissance Compressor can add warmth and flavor to your audio, especially when the "warm" parameter is engaged, making it versatile for various tonal applications.

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week: Waves Renaissance Compressor

Video thumbnail for Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week: Waves Renaissance Compressor by Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week: Waves Renaissance Compressor

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Video thumbnail for Waves Renaissance Compressor: Why Is It So Popular??🧐 by Dxt3r

Waves Renaissance Compressor: Why Is It So Popular??🧐

Dxt3r

Dxt3r

Video thumbnail for Waves Mix Bus Compression - Episode #1 Renaissance Compressor by Production Expert

Waves Mix Bus Compression - Episode #1 Renaissance Compressor

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for Renaissance Compressor from Waves || Tuesday Review Day by Topmop Productions

Renaissance Compressor from Waves || Tuesday Review Day

Topmop Productions

Topmop Productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface

  • Delivers phenomenal transparency for clean audio processing

  • Features a "warm" parameter for added audio flavor

  • Suitable for both small and large audio productions

  • Highly recommended addition for any audio project collection

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Renaissance Compressor is noted for its transparency and ease of use, with auto-release and a built-in limiter on the output providing a foolproof experience.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the musical algorithms and unique features like the arc, opto, and warm settings, which enhance its utility beyond basic compression tasks.

    Source
  • The absence of a knee control in RComp is noted, but it remains a favorite for well-recorded material.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While some newer engineers favor the versatile Fabfilter C2, the Renaissance Compressor is appreciated for its classic hardware-inspired curves and tone, making it familiar to seasoned professionals.

    Source
  • RComp's simplicity with its original GUI is favored over Logic's visually appealing but complex interface that can disrupt workflow.

    Source
  • Users note that while Waves plugins are generally high-quality, alternatives like Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio are often preferred for specific emulations, such as the 1176 compressor.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The compressor excels on vocals and snare, often used for initial compression before layering with other compressors like the CLA 76 for a natural sound.

    Source
  • RComp is likened to an LA-2A in opto mode and 1176 in electro mode, providing specific tonal characteristics reminiscent of these classic compressors.

    Source
  • Renaissance Compressor is highlighted as a staple in vocal chains, commonly used alongside other plugins like the CLA 76 for enhanced vocal treatment.

    Source

User experience

  • The plugin's longstanding presence and streamlined workflow appeal to professionals who prioritize efficiency and familiarity in their mixing processes.

    Source
  • Some users miss the original RComp GUI, but appreciate the ability to revert back from the newer version.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Renaissance Compressor is reliable and straightforward, often described as a "just works" tool, appreciated for its simplicity in complex mixes.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users often face compatibility issues due to frequent software updates, requiring paid upgrades to maintain functionality across different operating systems.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite frequent sales, the cost of keeping plugins updated can surpass the initial purchase price, leading some users to question the long-term value of Waves plugins.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Avicii uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via YouTube

at 12:45 minutes the third last plugin on the list is written Waves Rcomp

See how Alan Walker uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Alan Walker

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 33 minutes and 37 seconds in the video attached you can see the Waves Renaissance Compressor.

See how Pharrell Williams uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Pharrell Williams

Singer, Rapper

The Neptunes

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview Pharrell's engineer Andrew Coleman talks about using the Waves' Renaissance compressor. "It's not a whole lot — about 18 channels of [processing], plus plug-ins like Metric Halo's Channel Strip and Waves' Renaissance compressors and the Sony Oxford Compressor — but we know exactly what to expect from each combination."

See how Kendrick Lamar uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Kendrick Lamar

Rapper

Black Hippy

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"There are quite a few plug-ins on Kendrick’s vocal. He has a real raspy, mid-range vocal, so I use the Renaissance Compressor to smooth that out. I have it in manual and opto modes, with the threshold all the way down to -18, so if anything in the mid-range leaps out too much, it keeps that in check."

See how Noisia uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

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 KSHMR uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

KSHMR

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via waves.com

It’s all about getting something to sound the most inspiring as quickly as possible, to keep the momentum going. You would think that more advanced producers would want infinite parameters in their tools. But in truth, I’ll use something like Renaissance Compressor – I’m a big fan of optical compressors. Either that or the Renaissance Vox comp – it has a way of placing vocals perfectly in the mix without the compression being noticeable or harsh. Very transparent and smooth. I probably use it more than any comp; I can get good results fast and keep it moving.

See how J. Cole uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

J. Cole

Rapper, Music Producer

Dreamville

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for J. Cole's feature on 21 Savage's "A Lot", as is visible in the aux "All Vox" in a downloadable photo of the "A Lot" Pro Tools session (available in this .zip file) from this March 2019 Sound on Sound interview with producer Maddmix.

"'All Vox' has the Avid Lo-Fi and Waves RCompressor. I take the Sample Size down to 15 [bits] with the Lo-Fi, which is a trick I learned from Jaycen. It works like a form of compression, and makes the vocals a bit more up-front and louder. The RCompressor is set to a ratio of 2.56 and is there to keep the vocals in place. 'All Drums' has the Acustica Diamond, in a special edition made for Dave Pensado. I felt that the drums needed a little more 100Hz, so I boosted with that plug-in. I like the way it works on the low end. I also used the Lo-Fi on here, on the same 15-bit Sample Size setting as with the vocals."

See how Hozier uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Hozier

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on the vocals for "Take Me to Church", as stated by mix engineer Rob Kirwan in this March 2015 Sound on Sound interview.

  • Vocals: Bomb Factory 1176, Focusrite Red EQ, SoundToys Echo Boy, Line 6 Echo Farm, Knas Ekdahl Moisturizer, Waves Renaissance Compressor, Avid Trim & Audio Ease Altiverb.

“The two ‘tele’ voices at the top are backing vocals. I think they were ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ that came from the demo. They don’t sound like telephone voices at all, so I’m not sure why they’re called that. Instead they almost sound like church voices. Below are two aux tracks for those vocals, with Bomb Factory compression, Focusrite EQ and an Echo Boy delay. The backing vocals below that — ‘BV1–4’ — are the ones with the signature Leslie effect on them, and they again have some Focusrite EQ and Bomb Factory compression, and I gave them some Echo Farm slap delay to add depth to the reverb.

“The next tracks are the verse lead vocals from his Logic session, called ‘Male Creamy Lead Vocals’, on which I put some Renaissance compression and a Trim, and ‘Vox Verb’ is the Moisturizer track, plus two Trim plug–ins, one being +1dB and the other –0.5dB. I hate automating in Pro Tools, so I will often use the Trim to bypass it. Writing automation is a tedious task. Below this are the chorus vocals, called ‘New Vocal’, so we obviously recorded these again at my studio. In order to make them sound like the demo vocal I stuck them through the same chain and EQ’d them heavily. ‘Vox Plate’ is the Altiverb, and there’s a delay track below it which again has the Echo Farm, on a delay setting. Finally there are several more double–tracked chorus vocals, and they also have the Renaissance and Focusrite, and the Moisturizer and Echo Farm aux tracks below them.”

See how Drake uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Drake

Singer, Rapper

Young Money

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Noah Shebib tells that he uses the Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin in Drake Lead Vocal on "Headlines"

See how Ariana Grande uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Ariana Grande

Singer

Victorious Cast

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:24 the protools analysis of her unreleased song "Fantasize" shows the use of this plugin

See how Bernard Butler uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

Bernard Butler

Guitarist, Composer

Suede

...
Verified via waves.com

Mentioned under the official Waves artist page.

“I treat Waves plugins as I would the best analogue outboard and expect the same quality, but with endless flexibility. The Renaissance Compressor is my go-to plugin for vocals every time.“

See how Beyoncé uses Waves Renaissance Compressor Plugin

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 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.

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danblouin

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