The C2 is a technically superb compressor that adds negligible noise, and no distortion, unless you really want it to. It has enough flexibility to be useful on most types of solo and mixed material, it can provide polite gain reduction, or it can exude attitude -- it's all up to the user -- and because the controls are so simple, setting up is very easy.

In short, the C2 seems as happy dealing with a full stereo mix as it does a solo vocal or drum track, and because it has such a technically transparent signal path, it should be warmly received in mastering circles, as well as for general studio recording and mixing. If you're in search of something a little special, I recommend you give the C2 a try.

The Smart Research C2 is a world-class compressor with a punchy, crisp sound. It offers easy controls, use-it-on-everything versatility and impeccable sonics. Those who can afford the C2's luxuries will enjoy better tracks and tighter mixes right out of the box.
The C2's obvious similarities to the SSL compressor had me eager to try it on a stereo mix, and it didn't disappoint. The pop/rock mix I first ran through the compressor was fuller, tighter and slightly clear-sounding with the C2 dialed in. The mix actually picked up a touch of nice high-frequency sizzle, which is in stark contrast to the many compressors that dull the signal. The C2 just punched up the energy a few notches, and made the mix sound more cohesive.

Taking the Smart Research compressor out of the mix gave me instant withdrawals. The C2 continued to impress me song after song and I ended up mixing a full album through it. With every mix, I found the auto release time impossible to beat with a manual setting. The C2's very low 1.5:1 ratio was perfect for stealthily adding more punch to an already good mix.
The C2 is every bit as impressive on individual instruments and voices. With the right settings, vocals leave the compressor with dynamics tamed and character intact. I had to dial up a healthy 12 dB of gain reduction before the compression really called attention to itself; milder settings were barely noticable. Again, the C2's 1.5:1 ratio at a low threshold did a great job smoothing out vocals.