Pretty much the definitive mix compressor, the Alan Smart C2 is based on the much-missed SSL bus compressor (Mr. Smart used to work for SSL…) Ridiculously wide bandwidth along with ridiculously quick attack times make the C2 the beautiful, singular device that it is. With the flick of a switch you can go from easy-to-use true stereo operation to two independent mono channels.
And hey, these are tough times we’re living in… so live a little and use the ”crush” button.

The C2 compressor houses two independant mono compressors, or in STEREO mode, the left-hand controls operate both audio channels, with the right-hand controls not used, giving true Stereo operation. The C2M version has one set of controls and two audio channels for Stereo use, whilst the C2R is a dual channel remote expander for building up to 8 channel systems controlled from one C2M or C2.

The characteristic sound of this unit arises mostly from the fast response at the onset of compression, which when delayed to occur around the mid range attack settings (after 0.3 to 3 milliseconds) results in a window through which transients can still pass. When used accross a mix, or with any dynamic programme, this has the effect of adding ‘punch’, as the sidechain ‘breathes’ around these transients, while still controlling overall levels. CRUSH mode has been developed as an extension of this ‘musicality’, adding to and accentuating the factors involved in producing the character of the unit. CRUSH may sound surprising to those interested in more gentle applications, being capable of exaggerated compression effects, but in conjunction with the fast limit settings also introduced with this unit, it allows the C2 to be used for a much wider range of applications than the C1.

C2 Family Performace Graphs: