Vocal mode works with automatic Ratio and Knee settings, so while it disables those two controls, dialling lead singers into the front of the mix is basically a matter of setting your Threshold level. Dynamic StylesĪlong with the C1's Clean, Classic, and Opto compression modes, C2 delivers five new compression algorithms for a range of specialized applications.
PIC 3: C2 minimized without waveform display. Multiple display sizes allow you to enlarge the GUI for a deeper look, while a luxurious full-screen option can be toggled when a fussy signal requires intensive inspection. To inspect the signal across a wider or narrower dynamic range, the meters and resulting display can be set to ranges of 9, 18, 36, 72, or 90 decibels-though the default setting of 72 dB seemed optimal for my purposes. Combined with the Threshold Audition Triggering toggle, which allows you to hear just the audio that's triggering C2, and even greater accuracy is available when attenuating the Threshold level. A dark grey waveform scrolling from right to left represents the input volume before processing, while a lighter grey waveform overlapping it shows the output volume after processing a red line along the top reflects the gain reduction as it happens, and a static, horizontal dotted line shows the selected Threshold value.Īll four readings use the same measurement system as the meters shown at far right, so setting the Threshold to catch the desired amount of peaks requires little guesswork. Heat MetersĬ2's smoothly designed real-time display provides an appealing visual reference for increased precision. Completing the main controls are an optional Lookahead slider-disabled by default to reduce latency-and a unique Hold time slider that can prolong the gain reduction time before release up to 500 ms, allowing for rhythmic and other extreme effects. To the right are two smaller dials: an output or Wet gain, and below this, a separate Dry gain, by default set to zero, intended for parallel compression control each gain has a separate pan control on an outer rung, while the Wet gain features an intelligent Auto make-up toggle.Īdjustable Knee and Range sliders beneath the main dials control the steepness of the compressor's onset and possible extent, respectively. The default view when adding C2 to a track shows the four standard compression controls-Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release-as big, friendly dials along the bottom of a comprehensive real-time waveform readout.
Bringing a host of new compression modes and numerous advanced features to the table, C2 boasts a retina-ready GUI and detailed displays for enhanced accuracy-but it's a lot more than just a pretty face in the crowded field of dynamics processing. Holland's FabFilter continue updating their line of must-have signal processors with a souped-up version of their flagship compressor.